Personality
Johnny Mercer Paul Weston Lyrics

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When Madam Pompadour was on a ballroom floor
Said all the gentlemen "Obviously,"
"The madam has the cutest personality"

And think of all the books about do Barry's looks
What was it made her the toast of Paree?
She had a well-developed personality

(What did Romeo see in Juliet?)
(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!!

Overall Meaning

The song "Personality" by Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers with Jo Stafford, talks about how a person's personality is what sets them apart from others and what makes them attractive. The lyrics mention historical figures like Madam Pompadour and Salome to illustrate the point. The gentlemen at the ballroom floor thought Madam Pompadour had the cutest personality because of the way she carried herself. Similarly, Salome knew how to use her personality to entrance her audience. The song talks about how a faultless personality can take a girl places irrespective of their physical appearance. The lyrics express that a girl can get a sable coat or a wedding ring if she has the right personality, which means being confident, charming, and charismatic. The song is a celebration of personalities that shine through and make an impression on others.

The song "Personality" was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer in 1946.

Line by Line Meaning

When Madam Pompadour was on a ballroom floor
Once upon a time at a ballroom party, when Madam Pompadour was present

Said all the gentlemen "Obviously,"
All the gentlemen agreed without a doubt

"The madam has the cutest personality"
That Madam Pompadour was charming and pleasant of character, in a rather attractive way

And think of all the books about do Barry's looks
Similarly, people say so much about someone's looks

What was it made her the toast of Paree?
What caused great admiration from people in Paree?

She had a well-developed personality
The person in question possessed admirable character traits, fostering strong interpersonal relationships

(What did Romeo see in Juliet?)
What attracted Romeo to Juliet?

(Or Figaro in Figarette?)
What led to Figaro's interest in Figarette?

(Or Jupiter in Juno?)
What loveable features of Juno impressed Jupiter?

You know!
It's common knowledge that people's personalities draw others towards them.

And when Salome danced and had the boys entranced
Men were fascinated by Salome whenever she danced

No doubt it must have been easy to see
Obviously, it was very clear to everyone

That she knew how to use her personality
Salome was skilled in using admirable personal traits to captivate viewers

(A girl can learn to spell and take dictation well)
Despite inherent skillsets or experience, girls can still develop their abilities, including spelling and dictation

(And never sit on the boss's left knee)
Girls can be professional and avoid unwarranted advances from male superiors

(Unless she's got a perfect personality)
Unless she has admirable character traits that demand respect

(A girl can get somewhere in spite of stringy hair)
Despite perceived drawbacks, such as 'stringy hair' girls can still achieve their goals

(Or even just a bit bowed at the knee)
Irrespective of weaknesses, such as poor posture, girls can still succeed

(If she can show a faultless personality)
Through displaying an admirable character, the girl can establish herself and gain respect

Why are certain girls offered certain things
Why do specific women receive certain privileges or gifts?

Like sable coats and wedding rings?
Why would gentlemen gift luxurious items such as sable coats or wedding rings?

By men who wear their spats right?
By upright gentlemen

(That's right!)
That is indeed the case!

(So don'tcha say "I'm smart and have the kindest heart")
Don't just pride yourself on your intellect or kindness

(Or "what a wonderful sister I'd be")
Nor just being the ideal sibling

Just tell me how you like my
But do tell your reflection of