A Polite Plea for Maternal Intervention in Affairs of the Heart: David Garrick’s “Dear Mrs. Applebee”
“Dear Mrs. Applebee,” David Garrick’s charming and somewhat whimsical offering from 1966, presents a lighthearted narrative of young love seeking a nudge in the right direction from a significant maternal figure. While it achieved modest success in the UK, reaching number 22 on the UK Singles Chart, the song resonated more strongly on the European continent, notably climbing to number 1 in Germany and number 3 in both the Netherlands and Flanders. This endearing tune, a cover of a relatively obscure American song first recorded by Flip Cartridge, captures the tentative and hopeful spirit of early romance, where even a mother’s approval or gentle encouragement can feel like the key to unlocking a young heart. It’s a nostalgic glimpse into a time when courtship rituals often involved a degree of formality and familial consideration.
The story behind David Garrick’s rendition of “Dear Mrs. Applebee” is an interesting footnote in the career of this Liverpool-born singer, who would later be known for his cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Lady Jane.” Originally penned by Billy Meshell and Phil Barr, the song found its way to Garrick, who imbued it with a characteristically British pop sensibility. The lyrics unfold as a direct address to the mother of the singer’s beloved, Mrs. Applebee. In a tone that is both respectful and earnestly hopeful, the singer pleads with Mrs. Applebee to speak kindly of him to her daughter, implying that her opinion holds significant sway. He confesses his deep affection and hints at his worthiness, all while maintaining a polite and slightly deferential demeanor. This narrative of seeking maternal approval reflects a social dynamic that was prevalent in the era, where parental guidance and acceptance often played a crucial role in the progression of young relationships. Garrick’s delivery is light and engaging, perfectly capturing the hopeful anticipation of a young man eager to win the favor of both his sweetheart and her mother.
Think back to the mid-1960s, a time of burgeoning pop music and evolving social mores, yet one where traditional values still held a certain sway. “Dear Mrs. Applebee” offers a gentle reflection of this intersection, where the excitement of new romance is tempered by a respect for familial bonds and parental influence. The song’s simple melody and straightforward arrangement, typical of the pop sounds of the era, provide a charming backdrop for the lyrical narrative. It evokes a sense of youthful innocence and the slightly nervous optimism that often accompanies early romantic pursuits. The act of directly addressing the mother in song is itself a quaint reminder of a time when such gestures were perhaps more common, highlighting the importance placed on familial approval in matters of the heart.
The meaning of “Dear Mrs. Applebee” is a sweet and uncomplicated portrayal of a young man earnestly seeking to win the affection of a girl, with the added element of hoping for a positive endorsement from her mother. It speaks to the tentative nature of early love and the understanding that external influences, particularly those of family, can play a significant role in shaping romantic relationships. The singer’s polite and hopeful plea underscores his respect for Mrs. Applebee’s opinion and his belief that her favorable words could be instrumental in winning his beloved’s heart. It’s a charming narrative of navigating the delicate early stages of romance, where winning over not just the object of affection, but also those close to them, is seen as an important step. The song ultimately conveys a sense of hopeful anticipation, a belief that with a little maternal intervention, a budding romance might blossom into something more meaningful.
For those of us who recall the pop landscape of the mid-sixties, “Dear Mrs. Applebee” offers a gentle and nostalgic glimpse into the more innocent and perhaps slightly more formal aspects of courtship. It evokes a time when winning over the parents was often considered a crucial part of the romantic journey. David Garrick’s charming delivery and the song’s lighthearted narrative create a warm and familiar feeling, a reminder of the sometimes-trepidatious yet ultimately hopeful steps taken in the early stages of love, often with a little bit of help from “Dear Mrs. Applebee.”
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