Anything Goes
Jeanne Aubert & The Four Admirals Lyrics


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In Olden Days A Glimpse Of Stocking
Was Looked On As Something Shocking
Now Heaven 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
So Though I'm
Not A Great Romancer




I Know That You're Bound To Answer
When I Propose, Anything Goes

Overall Meaning

The song "Anything Goes" is a commentary on the changing social values and norms of the time. The opening lines suggest that what was once considered taboo, such as glimpses of stockings, is now accepted and embraced. Likewise, the lyrics suggest that even respectable authors have succumbed to using crass language and simple prose. The chorus reiterates the central theme that anything and everything is fair game in modern society.


Line by Line Meaning

In Olden Days A Glimpse Of Stocking
Back in the olden days, even a quick glimpse of a woman's stocking was considered scandalous.


Was Looked On As Something Shocking
People were shocked and scandalized by the sight of a woman's stocking, even if it was just a glimpse.


Now Heaven Knows, Anything Goes
Today, anything is possible; people no longer restrict themselves to traditional values or restrain their impulses.


Good Authors Too Who Once Knew Better Words
Even respectable authors who once used sophisticated language in their writing now resort to using vulgar four-letter words.


Now Only Use Four Letter Words Writing
These same authors are now using only four-letter words in their writing, perhaps indicating a general decline in culture and standards.


Prose Anything Goes
In fact, anything goes when it comes to writing, even in the world of literature.


The World Has Gone Mad Today
The madness or chaos of modern times is palpable and obvious to those looking for it.


And Good's Bad Today
Even things that used to be considered good are now looked down upon or considered bad due to changing values.


And Black's White Today
Things that used to be black and white or clear-cut are now muddled and unclear, making it harder to distinguish right from wrong.


And Day's Night Today
The boundaries between day and night or light and shadow are becoming blurred or indistinguishable.


When Most Guys Today That Women Prize Today
Women today tend to be attracted to guys who may not seem like the best or most respectable, such as shallow and empty-headed gigolos.


Are Just Silly Gigolos
These guys may be foolish and shallow, motivated solely by money and pleasure rather than any genuine connection or feeling.


So Though I'm Not A Great Romancer
Even though I may not be the best at wooing people or expressing my feelings romantically,


I Know That You're Bound To Answer
I am confident that you will respond positively to me, regardless of my skills as a romantic partner.


When I Propose, Anything Goes
In today's society, any proposal or approach can work, regardless of cultural or social norms, as long as it feels authentic to the individuals involved.




Writer(s): Cole Porter

Contributed by Declan W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

rachmaninov58

Absolutely Brilliant! You are right, Colonel, she has a marvelous, distinct tone, as well as a glorious method of trills.

Vieux Disques

And she was so beautifull! Thanks for sharing this gem