Anything Goes Lyrics - Anything Goes

Lyrics Meaning and impact of "Anything Goes" by Cole Porter.

Song credits:

• Composer: Cole Porter
• Writer: Cole Porter
• Vocals: Cole Porter
• Piano: Cole Porter
• Release date: November 21, 1934
• Label: Not specified
• Musical Genre: Musical theatre, Jazz
• Album: Music of Cole Porter
• Track #: 8
• Language(s): English
• Mood: Satirical, Witty

Song meaning.

In Cole Porter's 1934 song "Anything Goes," the lyrics reflect shifting American values since the Mayflower’s arrival in 1620. The song cheekily suggests that, were the Pilgrims to attempt their voyage in the 1930s, Plymouth Rock itself might crush them. This likely serves as a metaphor for how outdated Puritanical views would be forcefully rejected by modern society in places like Boston and Plymouth.

Victorian sensibilities, particularly their infamous aversion to exposed ankles, also come under fire. In contrast, the flapper girls of the 1920s embraced bold fashion and behavior that shocked older generations. Their defiant spirit echoed the stylistic departures of “Lost Generation” writers like Hemingway and Joyce, whose works favored lean prose and sometimes used profanities—perhaps slyly referenced by Porter’s allusion to “four-letter words.”

The phrase "low bars" here could carry multiple meanings. It might denote loose morals or a carefree lifestyle, but it also possibly refers to Prohibition-era speakeasies. A 1946 *LIFE* magazine article noted that lower bar counters became fashionable in these establishments to accommodate an influx of female patrons.

Reno Sweeney, the character singing the number, flirts with scandal by joking that passengers may want to see her undressed. While sung in character, this line may reflect Cole Porter’s challenge to conservative audiences—perhaps even hinting at his identity as a gay man in a time when such openness was rare.

Rumors of Hollywood decadence abounded in the 1930s, including tales of nude gatherings and wild parties. However, since the musical was intended for Broadway audiences, “studios” might just as well refer to Greenwich Village artist lofts, where nude modeling sessions were common and openly discussed in bohemian circles.

Porter also rewrites the phrase “the smart set” into “the set that’s smart,” a clever inversion that allows for rhythmic flow while still invoking fashionable social elites. The line flows smoothly into a rhyme with “parties,” aligning perfectly with the song’s swinging meter.

Though often associated with Porter, the phrase "Anything Goes" also parallels themes in works by contemporaries like George Gershwin. The 1930s, though steeped in economic hardship, were a time of stringent moral codes, making the satirical nature of the song all the more biting. Terms like “Reds” (communists), “châteaux” (French mansions), and “jitney” (privately run taxis or buses) serve as cultural signposts, grounding the song in its era.

The Great Depression wiped out many once-wealthy families, including dynasties like the Whitneys and Vanderbilts. The song’s reference to Sam Goldwyn and his ill-fated film *Nana*, starring Anna Sten, highlights how even Hollywood could fall prey to public ridicule , particularly when language barriers (like Sten’s thick accent) made productions inaccessible.

Elsie de Wolfe, or Lady Mendl, was another figure Porter may have had in mind. Known for revolutionizing interior design by rejecting Victorian clutter for modern simplicity, she was equally famous for her eccentric public displays—like performing yoga and handstands well into her later years, much to the media’s delight or dismay.

As fascism rose in Europe and the global economy struggled, American social conventions also shifted. Reno’s quick engagement to Oakley parodies evolving attitudes toward courtship and marriage in a society increasingly defined by rapid change and uncertainty.

The song references Eleanor Roosevelt’s popular radio show, sponsored by Simmons mattresses. The line “abed from Simmons” carries a double meaning, cleverly suggesting both product placement and commentary on the First Lady’s growing public presence. Porter insinuates that a modern woman—even one in the White House—might as well profit from her platform.

The mention of “Franklin” clearly nods to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In some versions, the lyric reads “broadcasting a bed from Simmons,” which seems less sharp than the original’s layered entendre. Porter’s version better captures the juxtaposition of propriety and promotion, perfectly in step with the song’s satirical tone.

Verse 1 & Opening:

Social Satire and Cultural Commentary:

Bridges and Transitions:

Verse 4 & Finale:

Which songs share same themes?

1. "You're the Top" by Cole Porter: Sharing Porter's signature sparkle, this piece mirrors "Anything Goes" in its sharp cultural name-dropping. Both pieces use clever metaphors and lyrical gymnastics to reflect society's trends. The upbeat jazz tempo and satirical content connect these two as quintessential Porter masterpieces of social observation. "You're the Top" also brims with absurd but complimentary references to icons, brands, and celebrities.
2. "Modern Major General" by Gilbert and Sullivan: A Victorian predecessor in lyrical cleverness and cultural critique, this song mirrors Porter’s use of rapid-fire phrases and social satire. Both works ridicule societal elites through operatic comedy, highlighting intellectual absurdities and inflated self-importance in both 19th and 20th-century contexts.
3. "We Didn’t Start the Fire" by Billy Joel: Though decades apart, Joel’s anthem echoes Porter’s rapid cataloging of people and events. Both songs serve as lyrical time capsules. Joel’s piece updates the formula with 20th-century American history, showing the continuity of cultural chaos through rhythm and rhyme.

Questiong and Answers.

Why is "Anything Goes" still relevant today?

Its commentary on shifting social norms and media spectacle resonates deeply with modern-day audiences who also grapple with celebrity culture, fake news, and changing taboos.

What’s the tone of the song?

It dances between cheeky and satirical, giving listeners a sense of playful rebellion wrapped in Broadway pizzazz.

What did Cole Porter mean by "Plymouth Rock would land on them"?

He flips the script on historical values, suggesting that today's society would overwhelm and shock the old-school Puritans, rather than the other way around.

Which awards and chart positions did composition Achieve?

Fan and Media Reactions.

“Timeless, clever, and scandalously fun. Porter was ahead of his time.”

“A lyrical masterpiece—every line a zinger, every rhyme a twist.”

“Even after 90 years, I still find new jokes in it.”

“Porter wrote the Twitter of the 1930s—short, sharp, smart.”

“It’s like listening to a gossip column in C major.”