Anything Goes lyrics
Anything Goes
[RENO]
Times have changed,
And we've often rewound the clock,
Since the Puritans got a shock,
When they landed on Plymouth Rock.
If today,
Any shock they should try to stem,
'Stead of landing on Plymouth Rock,
Plymouth Rock would land on them.
In olden days a glimpse of stocking
Was looked on as something shocking,
But now, God knows,
Anything Goes.
Good authors too who once knew better words,
Now only use four letter words
Writing prose, Anything Goes.
The world has gone mad today
And good's bad today,
And black's white today,
And day's night today,
When most guys today
That women prize today
Are just silly gigolos
And though I'm not a great romancer
I know that you're bound to answer
When I propose,
Anything goes
When grandmama whose age is eighty
In night clubs is getting matey with gigolo's,
Anything Goes.
When mothers pack and leave poor father
Because they decide they'd rather be tennis pros,
Anything Goes.
If driving fast cars you like,
If low bars you like,
If old hymns you like,
If bare limbs you like,
If Mae West you like
Or me undressed you like,
Why, nobody will oppose!
When every night,
The set that's smart
Is intruding in nudist parties in studios,
Anything Goes.
[RENO, PASSENGERS & CREW]
The world has gone mad today
And good's bad today,
And black's white today,
And day's night today,
When most guys today
That women prize today
Are just silly gigolos
And though I'm not a great romancer
I know that you're bound to answer
When I propose,
Anything goes
[RENO]
If saying your prayers you like,
If green pears you like
If old chairs you like,
If back stairs you like,
If love affairs you like
With young bears you like,
Why nobody will oppose!
[ALL]
And though I'm not a great romancer
And though I'm not a great romancer
I know that you're bound to answer
When I propose,
Anything goes...
Anything goes!
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Song Overview:
"Anything Goes" is a song written by Cole Porter for his 1934 musical of the same name. Here are the key details and meaning:
• Released on November 21, 1934
• Set aboard an ocean liner
• Written and composed by Cole Porter
The song's meaning and themes:
• Satirizes the changing social norms and morals of the 1930s
• Humorously references various figures of scandal and gossip in Depression-era high society
• Contrasts past conservatism with the more permissive attitudes of the time
• Reflects on how quickly societal standards can change
• Uses witty wordplay and cultural references to comment on contemporary events and personalities
In the context of the musical, the song is performed towards the end of the first act by nightclub singer Reno Sweeney. She reflects on how a brief shipboard romance could lead to marriage, as social norms around love and relationships were changing rapidly.
The song has endured in popular culture, appearing in various adaptations and media, including the 1984 film "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and video games like Fallout 3 and Fallout 4.
Annotations for "Anything Goes" by Cole Porter:
"Anything Goes" reflects the dramatic cultural shifts in American society from the time of the Puritans to the early 20th century. The song opens with a humorous commentary on how societal norms have evolved since the Puritans landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Porter suggests that if the Puritans were to arrive in modern times, they would be overwhelmed by contemporary attitudes, symbolized by the metaphor of Plymouth Rock landing on them instead.
The lyrics cleverly juxtapose past and present values, indicating that what was once considered shocking—like a glimpse of stocking —is now commonplace. This shift in morality is emphasized through references to the "Lost Generation" authors, such as Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce, who challenged traditional literary norms and introduced more candid language, including profanity. The mention of "four-letter words" serves as a nod to the provocative nature of modern literature and its reception during that era.
Porter's lyrics also explore themes of indulgence and hedonism, as seen in lines referencing fast cars, low bars, and provocative fashion choices. The phrase "low bars" could refer to both a lack of inhibition and the speakeasies that proliferated during Prohibition. The inclusion of Mae West, known for her sexual charisma and bold persona, reinforces this theme of embracing modernity and rejecting Victorian restraint.
The song's second verse highlights figures from high society, such as Evalyn Walsh McLean and John D. Rockefeller, illustrating how wealth and influence persist even amidst societal upheaval like the Great Depression. Porter's commentary suggests that despite economic challenges, extravagance in entertainment remains a priority for some.
In the bridge, Porter captures the chaotic nature of contemporary life with lines like "good's bad today" and "black's white today," reflecting the rapid cultural changes occurring during this period. This inversion of values suggests a world turned upside down, where traditional morals are questioned and redefined.
The third verse references Sam Goldwyn's struggles in Hollywood, particularly his infamous casting decisions that became spectacles due to miscommunication and misunderstanding. The mention of Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe) performing acrobatics at an advanced age further emphasizes the breaking of social norms regarding age and behavior.
As the song progresses into its final verses, it critiques the bleakness of the 1930s while simultaneously embracing a carefree attitude toward love and relationships. Reno Sweeney’s reflections on modern romance underscore a sense of urgency in social interactions amidst uncertainty.
Overall, "Anything Goes" serves as both a celebration of modernity and a critique of its excesses. Through witty lyrics filled with cultural references, Porter captures the essence of a society grappling with change while reveling in newfound freedoms. The song remains relevant today as it echoes themes of liberation, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships amid shifting moral landscapes.
Last Update: November, 24th 2024