Anything Goes
Sally Ann Triplett & Chorus Lyrics
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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
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
The song “Anything Goes” is a classic that has been performed and recorded by various singers over the years. The opening lines of the song, “In olden days a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking. Now heaven knows, anything goes,” reflect an era where conventions and norms were more repressed and conservative. The mention of a glimpse of stocking being scandalous highlights the changing attitudes towards sex and morality in modern society where anything seems to be permissible. The song's lyrics suggest that anything can happen in a world where people have become more open-minded, and anachronistic traditions have gone by the wayside.
The lyrics go on to mention how even once-respected writers and authors now use profanity and vulgar language in their work, abandoning conventional rules of etiquette and decorum. The song is also critical of the changing gender roles where women now prize "silly gigolos" over traditional marriage, implying that the world has gone mad. However, these unusual and illogical changes in society, according to the chorus, are now the norm, and we should accept that anything goes.
Line by Line Meaning
In olden days a glimpse of stocking
In the past, when someone caught even a small view of a woman's leg, it was considered indecent.
Was looked on as something shocking
It used to be considered scandalous or unacceptable behavior.
Now heaven knows, anything goes
Nowadays, anything and everything is acceptable, even if it may have been taboo or frowned upon in the past.
Good authors too who once knew better words
Even talented writers who were once known for using proper or sophisticated vocabulary have shifted to using profanity and simple language in their writing.
Now only use four letter words writing prose
Nowadays, authors predominantly use crude or vulgar language in their written work.
Anything goes
Anything and everything is accepted, no matter how outrageous or unconventional it is.
The world has gone mad today
The world as it is today is completely chaotic, disordered and shocking.
And good's bad today
Even the concept of 'good' has become warped or misconstrued.
And black's white today
Even basic principles like black and white being opposites have become switched or nullified.
And day's night today
What was once considered a natural order or pattern of life has become completely frazzled and unpredictable.
When most guys today that women prize today
The most desirable men for women today are often just foolish and shallow playboys.
Are just silly gigolos
These men are nothing more than lecherous and immoral companions for women.
So though I'm not a great romancer
While I may not be particularly skilled at charming or wooing women,
I know that you're bound to answer
I am confident that you will say yes to my proposal,
When I propose, anything goes
Because these days, anything and everything is permitted, even unconventional or bold proposals of love or marriage.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind