Personality
Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse Lyrics
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Said all the gentlemen "Obviously,"
"The madam has the cutest personality"
And think of all the books about Du Barry's looks
What was it made her the toast of Paree?
She had a well-developed personality
(Or Figaro in Figarette?)
(Or Jupiter in Juno?)
You know!
And when Salome danced and had the boys entranced
No doubt it must have been easy to see
That she knew how to use her personality
(A girl can learn to spell and take dictation well)
(And never sit on the boss's left knee)
(Unless she's got a perfect personality)
(A girl can get somewhere in spite of stringy hair)
(Or even just a bit bowed at the knee)
(If she can show a faultless personality)
Why are certain girls offered certain things
Like sable coats and wedding rings?
By men who wear their spats right?
(That's right!)
(So don'tcha say "I'm smart and have the kindest heart"
(Or "what a wonderful sister I'd be")
Just tell me how you like my
"Rufff!
(Personality)
Baby, you've got the cutest
Personality!
The song "Personality," written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, was first introduced in the musical Stop the World – I Want to Get Off in 1961, and it was one of the show's most popular songs. The lyrics describe how certain individuals with charming personalities are often more successful in life than those who are physically attractive or intelligent. The song cleverly juxtaposes historical and fictional characters, such as Madame Pompadour, Du Barry, Romeo, and Salome, with modern-day scenarios to explore the concept of personality as a key determinant of social success. The chorus emphasizes this point by praising a woman's "cute personality," which presumably makes her attractive to men despite any physical flaws she might have.
The song's lyrics are a commentary on the superficiality of society and the power of charisma. The verses suggest that people should focus on developing their personalities rather than relying on their looks or intelligence to get ahead in life. The song also hints at the idea that charisma can be learned and cultivated, rather than being an innate quality that only a select few possess. Overall, "Personality" is a fun, upbeat tune with a serious message about the importance of self-presentation and social skills.
Line by Line Meaning
When Madam Pompadour was on a ballroom floor
When Madam Pompadour was dancing at a ballroom hall
Said all the gentlemen "Obviously,"
All the gentlemen claimed it's obvious
"The madam has the cutest personality"
That Madam Pompadour has an enchanting personality
And think of all the books about Du Barry's looks
Remember the books praising Du Barry's beauty
What was it made her the toast of Paree?
What made her famous in Paris?
She had a well-developed personality
She had an impressive personality
(What did Romeo see in Juliet?)
(What did Romeo find in Juliet?)
(Or Figaro in Figarette?)
(Or, similarly, what did Figaro find in Figarette?)
(Or Jupiter in Juno?)
(Or, similarly, what did Jupiter see in Juno?)
You know!
You understand!
And when Salome danced and had the boys entranced
When Salome danced, captivating the boys
No doubt it must have been easy to see
It's simple to see
That she knew how to use her personality
She knew how to exploit her endearing qualities
(A girl can learn to spell and take dictation well)
(A girl can be able to spell and take dictation skillfully)
(And never sit on the boss's left knee)
(And avoid getting too close to her boss)
(Unless she's got a perfect personality)
(Unless she has an immaculate character)
(A girl can get somewhere in spite of stringy hair)
(A girl can still succeed despite having thin hair)
(Or even just a bit bowed at the knee)
(Or simply having a minor physical imperfection)
(If she can show a faultless personality)
(If she can demonstrate impeccable character)
Why are certain girls offered certain things
Why do some women receive such gifts?
Like sable coats and wedding rings?
Such as a sable coat or a wedding ring?
By men who wear their spats right?
By men who present themselves appropriately?
(That's right!)
(That's correct!)
(So don'tcha say "I'm smart and have the kindest heart")
(So don't say, "I'm intelligent and have a compassionate heart")
(Or "what a wonderful sister I'd be")
(Or, "I would make a great sister")
Just tell me how you like my
Instead, ask me how you feel about my
"Rufff!
Rufff!
(Personality)
(My personality)
Baby, you've got the cutest
Baby, you have the most adorable
Personality!
Personality!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harold Logan, Lloyd Price
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind