Title: The Untold Secrets Behind “Beware of Young Girls” by Dory Previn
Dory Previn was one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s. Her masterpiece “Beware of Young Girls” is a haunting song that has become a defining moment in American popular music. The song was released in 1970 and was featured on Previn’s album “On My Way to Where.” In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and what inspired Previn to write it.
The Inspiration
“Beware of Young Girls” was written and recorded after Previn’s split with her former husband, composer and conductor Andre Previn. At that time, Andre had left Dory for another woman, the actress Mia Farrow. Dory was devastated, and instead of turning inward and keeping her feelings to herself, she decided to write about her experiences. Previn gave an interview in which she explained that writing the song helped her to “put closure” on that chapter of her life.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Beware of Young Girls” are poetic and evocative. The song begins with the lines, “Beware of young girls, who come to the door/Waken emotions that lie deep in the core”. The lyrics imply a warning to men who are vulnerable to the charms of naive and inexperienced young women. Previn sings about her own experiences and the betrayal she felt when her husband left her for a younger woman.
The Title
The title of the song is taken from a line in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “Tender Is the Night.” In the novel, the character Rosemary Hoyt is warned by her friend Dick Diver to “Beware of young girls, they spy like owls” after she becomes enamored with a young and ambitious actress named Joan.
The Music
The music of “Beware of Young Girls” is sparse, with Previn’s piano and voice being the only instruments featured. The song’s structure is simple, with a verse followed by a chorus. The melody is haunting and melancholic, in keeping with the song’s lyrics.
The Legacy
“Beware of Young Girls” was not a commercial success, but it has become a cult classic among fans of singer-songwriters and those who appreciate thoughtful and introspective music. The song’s lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways, with some seeing it as a warning to older men to avoid younger women, while others see it as a feminist anthem about the dangers of male behavior.
The Meaning
At its core, “Beware of Young Girls” is a song about betrayal, heartbreak, and the pain of lost love. Dory Previn wrote the song as a way of coming to terms with her own experiences, but its message has resonated with countless others who have been through similar situations. The lyrics warn of the dangers of naivety and the allure of youth, but they also offer hope for those who have been hurt in love.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, “Beware of Young Girls” is a powerful song that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss. Dory Previn’s haunting melody and poetic lyrics have helped to make this song a classic in the American popular music canon. The song offers a warning to those who are vulnerable to the charms of youth, but it also offers hope for those who have been hurt in love. If you haven’t heard “Beware of Young Girls” yet, take a moment to listen to this timeless masterpiece and experience its beauty for yourself.
