Dear Mr Gable (you Made Me Love You)
Judy Garland
A Fan's Heartfelt Ode to a Silver Screen Idol
Judy Garland's song "Dear Mr. Gable (You Made Me Love You)" is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor Clark Gable. The lyrics are written as a fan letter, capturing the innocent and fervent admiration of a young girl for her movie star crush. Garland's character expresses her overwhelming emotions, describing how her heart races and she becomes tongue-tied whenever she sees Gable on the screen. This song beautifully encapsulates the star-struck feelings that many fans experience, making it relatable to anyone who has ever idolized a celebrity.
The song's chorus, "You made me love you, I didn't wanna do it," highlights the involuntary nature of her affection. Despite her initial reluctance, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to Gable's charm and charisma. The lyrics also touch on the bittersweet nature of fandom, as she admits that while Gable often makes her happy, there are moments when he makes her sad. This duality reflects the complex emotions that come with idolizing someone who is both accessible through their work and yet distant in reality.
Garland's spoken interlude adds a personal touch, recounting specific moments when she saw Gable in films and even in person. These anecdotes make the song feel genuine and intimate, as if the listener is privy to a private confession. The mention of Gable's films, such as "It Happened One Night," and his co-star Joan Crawford, situates the song within a specific cultural context, evoking the golden age of Hollywood. Garland's performance is both earnest and endearing, capturing the essence of youthful infatuation and the magic of cinema.