Anything Goes
Rat Pack Lyrics

Times have changed
Society has evolved and shifted over time

And we've often rewound the clock
Reflecting on past eras and historical events

Since the Puritans got a shock
Referring to the Puritans' strict beliefs and values being challenged

When they landed on Plymouth Rock.
Signifying the arrival and impact of the Puritans in America

If today
In the present day

Any shock they should try to stem
If they were to try to prevent any shocking events

'Stead of landing on Plymouth Rock,
Instead of facing the consequences or origins of their actions

Plymouth Rock would land on them.
Implying that the consequences would come back to them

In olden days, a glimpse of stocking
In the past, seeing a woman's stocking was considered scandalous

Was looked on as something shocking.
It was viewed as highly inappropriate or taboo

But now, God knows,
In the present day, who knows what is considered acceptable

Anything goes.
Variety of behaviors or actions are now acceptable

Good authors too who once knew better words
Authors who previously used more refined or sophisticated language

Now only use four-letter words
Now resort to using simple or vulgar language

Writing prose.
Creating written work or literature

If driving fast cars you like,
If you enjoy driving fast cars

If low bars you like,
If you prefer visiting less upscale bars

If old hymns you like,
If you enjoy traditional church music

If bare limbs you like,
If you appreciate exposed or uncovered limbs

Why, nobody will oppose.
No one will object or criticize your preferences

When ev'ry night the set that's smart is in-
Every evening the fashionable crowd is participating

Truding in nudist parties in
Attending gatherings where people are unclothed

Studios.
Places of creativity or artistry

When Missus Ned McLean (God bless her)
Referring to a wealthy or prestigious woman

Can get Russian reds to 'yes' her,
Influencing or getting support from people with communist beliefs

Then I suppose
Then I imagine or guess

Anything goes.
Anything is acceptable or permissible

When Rockefeller still can hoard en-
Even though Rockefeller continues to accumulate wealth

Ough money to let Max Gordon
Enough money to allow Max Gordon

Produce his shows,
Finance the production of his shows

Anything goes.
No limits exist on what is allowed or possible

The world has gone mad today
Current society is perceived as chaotic or irrational

And good's bad today,
Even positive things are viewed negatively

And black's white today,
Contradictory or confusing situations exist

And day's night today,
Sense of normalcy or order is reversed

And that gent today
And that gentleman in the present time

You gave a cent today
You offered a small contribution or donation today

Once had several chateaux.
At one point owned multiple large houses or estates

When folks who still can ride in jitneys
When individuals who can still travel in small buses

Find out Vanderbilts and Whitneys
Discover that wealthy and elite families

Lack baby clo'es,
Have difficulty purchasing children's clothing

Anything goes.
There are no established rules or restrictions

If Sam Goldwyn can with great conviction
If Sam Goldwyn can confidently

Instruct Anna Sten in diction,
Teach Anna Sten proper pronunciation and elocution

Then Anna shows
Then Anna demonstrates or displays

Anything goes.
All types of behavior or actions are permissible

When you hear that Lady Mendl standing up
Upon hearing that Lady Mendl is leveling up

Now turns a handspring landing up-
Now performing a gymnastic move with perfection

On her toes,
With grace and agility

Anything goes.
There are no constraints on acceptable behavior

Just think of those shocks you've got
Consider the shocking experiences you have encountered

And those knocks you've got
And the setbacks or difficulties you have faced

And those blues you've got
And the feelings of sadness or melancholy you have

From that news you've got
Resulting from the information you have received

And those pains you've got
And the physical or emotional pain you have endured

(If any brains you've got)
(If you possess any intellect)

From those little radios.
From listening to the radio or media broadcasts

So Missus R., with all her trimmin's,
Mrs. R., and all of her accompanying features or accessories

Can broadcast a bed from Simmons
Can promote or advertise a bed by Simmons company

'Cause Franklin knows
Because Franklin is aware

Anything goes.
Anything is permissible or acceptable