Personality
Van Johnson Lyrics


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When Madame Pompadour was on the ballroom floor,
Said all the gentlemen, obviously, the madame 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.
And what did Romeo see in Juliet or Hero in Perriet, or Jupiter in Juno? you know!
Or 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.

You're quite a ladies' man just how d'you do advance, I know it can't be publicity,
Boys to Sinatra: The boys at Metro call it a personality.
Oh Frank you're awfully thin, just how did you begin,
To set the style in the swoon industry

He: I did it with my famished personality.
I know it's not the place for me to make this crack,
But I hear tell that Gable's back.
Boys: Frankie, here's a bromo, why, a Como (ow!)

We're grateful to the flock to where those bobbies sack




Because without them we must agree,
We would never have made it with a personality.

Overall Meaning

Van Johnson's song "Personality" is a tribute to the importance of personality in achieving success and popularity. The song starts by referring to Madame Pompadour's charm and personality, which made her the toast of Paree, and were arguably more important than her looks. The song goes on to give several examples of famous people who were popular because of their personalities rather than their appearance, such as Romeo and Juliet, Hero and Perriet, Jupiter and Juno, and Salome. All these characters were loved and admired for the way they carried themselves, their charm, and their engaging personalities.


The chorus of the song talks about how important one's personality is in achieving success and becoming popular. The lyrics "I know it can't be publicity" and "I did it with my famished personality" exemplify the idea that true popularity comes from having an authentic personality rather than just relying on advertising or good looks. The song's final verse pays homage to the fans and admirers who contribute to an individual's success and popularity, as without their support, even people with great personalities might struggle to achieve fame.


Line by Line Meaning

When Madame Pompadour was on the ballroom floor, Said all the gentlemen, obviously, the madame has the cutest personality.
When Madame Pompadour danced, all the gentlemen admired her because of her charming personality.


And think of all the books about do Barry's looks, What was it made her the toast of Paree?
People often talk about do Barry's physical appearance, but it was her personality that made her popular in Paris.


She had a well-developed personality.
Do Barry's personality was well-formed and attractive.


And what did Romeo see in Juliet or Hero in Perriet, or Jupiter in Juno? you know!
Just like how Romeo saw something special in Juliet, or Hero in Perriet, or Jupiter in Juno, people are often drawn to others because of their unique personalities


Or 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.
Salome's dance captivated people and it was clear that she knew how to use her personality to charm her audience.


You're quite a ladies' man just how d'you do advance, I know it can't be publicity, Boys to Sinatra: The boys at Metro call it a personality.
People wonder how Sinatra became so popular with women, and it cannot be just because of publicity. The boys at Metro think it has to do with his charming personality.


Oh Frank you're awfully thin, just how did you begin, To set the style in the swoon industry
Sinatra, you are very thin. How did you become the icon of the swoon industry?


He: I did it with my famished personality.
Sinatra achieved his success in the swoon industry because of his compelling and passionate personality.


I know it's not the place for me to make this crack, But I hear tell that Gable's back.
I know it's not the right time to bring this up, but I heard Gable is back.


Boys: Frankie, here's a bromo, why, a Como (ow!) We're grateful to the flock to where those bobbies sack Because without them we must agree, We would never have made it with a personality.
Frankie, here's a tablet to ease your headache. We're thankful for the loyal fans who support us. Without them, we would not have succeeded on our personalities alone.




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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