I Wanna Be Loved By You
Marilyn Monroe
The Siren Call of Marilyn Monroe's Desire
The song "I Wanna Be Loved By You" performed by Marilyn Monroe is a classic example of the Golden Age of Hollywood's blend of glamour, romance, and the allure of celebrity. Monroe's rendition of the song is particularly famous for its playful innocence combined with a sultry undertone, which became a signature aspect of her public persona. The lyrics express a straightforward yet profound desire to be loved by a single person, emphasizing exclusivity and a deep personal connection. The repetition of the phrase "Just you and nobody else but you" underscores the singer's yearning for a unique and intimate bond.
The playful sounds like "pooh pooh bee doo" and "paah-dum paah-dum doo bee dum, pooooo!" that Monroe intersperses throughout the song add a whimsical and flirtatious element to the performance. These nonsensical phrases became iconic in their own right, often associated with Monroe's image of the blonde bombshell. The song's simplicity in its message is part of its charm, as it captures the universal human desire to be the sole focus of someone's affection.
Culturally, the song is embedded in the era of the 1950s, a time when Monroe was a symbol of sensuality and femininity. Her performance of this song in the film "Some Like It Hot" contributed to its popularity and to her enduring legacy as a sex symbol. The song's meaning transcends its era, however, as the longing to be loved is timeless and resonates with audiences across generations.