Anything Goes
Cole Porter
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Times have changed And we've often rewound the clock Since the Puritans got a shock When they landed on Plymouth Rock. If today Any shock they should try to stem 'Stead of landing on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock would land on them. In olden days, a glimpse of stocking Was looked on as something shocking. But now, God knows, Anything goes. Good authors too who once knew better words Now only use four-letter words Writing prose. Anything goes. If driving fast cars you like, If low bars you like, If old hymns you like, If bare limbs you like, If Mae West you like, Or me undressed you like, Why, nobody will oppose. When ev'ry night the set that's smart is in- Truding in nudist parties in Studios. Anything goes. When Missus Ned McLean (God bless her) Can get Russian reds to "yes" her, Then I suppose Anything goes. When Rockefeller still can hoard en- Ough money to let Max Gordon Produce his shows, Anything goes. The world has gone mad today And good's bad today, And black's white today, And day's night today, And that gent today You gave a cent today Once had several chateaux. When folks who still can ride in jitneys Find out Vanderbilts and Whitneys Lack baby clo'es, Anything goes. If Sam Goldwyn can with great conviction Instruct Anna Sten in diction, Then Anna shows Anything goes. When you hear that Lady Mendl standing up Now turns a handspring landing up- On her toes, Anything goes. Just think of those shocks you've got And those knocks you've got And those blues you've got From that news you've got And those pains you've got (If any brains you've got) From those little radios. So Missus R., with all her trimmin's, Can broadcast a bed from Simmons 'Cause Franklin knows Anything goes.
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Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
Genre Classification"Anything Goes" is primarily classified as a musical theater song, belonging to the genre of Show Tunes.
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Composer ProfileThe song "Anything Goes" was written by Cole Porter, an American composer and songwriter who was one of the major songwriters for the Broadway musical stage in the first half of the 20th century.
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Debut Year"Anything Goes" was first introduced in Porter's 1934 musical of the same name.
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Reality AspectIt's known for its provocative lyrics demonstrating how societal standards had changed with time - more hypersexual, frivolous, and reckless behaviors were becoming acceptable, hence the phrase "anything goes."
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Popular CoversFrank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett are some of the renowned artists who have made notable covers of "Anything Goes."
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Iconic LyricThe phrase "Anything Goes" has become an idiomatic expression meaning that there are no rules or restrictions in a particular situation.
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Broadway ConnectionThe "Anything Goes" musical has had numerous successful Broadway revivals, thanks to the catchy title song and Porter's brilliantly composed overall score.
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Award AccoladesThe 2011 Broadway revival of "Anything Goes" won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, demonstrating the timelessness and enduring appeal of the title song.
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Indicator of Changing TimesIn terms of social dynamics, "Anything Goes" is considered an important song in history, reflecting the changes in societal norms during the 1930s.
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Lesser-Known FactAlthough "Anything Goes" is usually associated with cheerful, lively performances, Porter actually wrote the song while recovering from a horse riding accident.
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Role in the MusicalIn the musical, the song "Anything Goes" is performed by the character Reno Sweeney, who is a nightclub singer.
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In Pop CultureBesides being part of a popular musical, "Anything Goes" has also appeared in films such as "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," increasing its cultural reach.
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Among Porter's BestCritics and music historians usually rank "Anything Goes" among Cole Porter's best song compositions.
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Usage in TeachingThe song is often used in music and theater classes worldwide to showcase classic Broadway composition and lyricism.
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InfluenceMany other artists, musicians, and composers have cited "Anything Goes" as an influential work in developing their own musical endeavors.
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Citation
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"Anything Goes Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3150055/Cole+Porter/Anything+Goes>.
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