Anything Goes
A Whirlwind of Social Changes: Dionne Warwick's 'Anything Goes' Message
Lyrics
In olden days a glimpse of stocking
In the past, catching a glimpse of a woman's stocking was considered scandalous.
Was looked on as something shocking
It was viewed as socially unacceptable or provocative.
Now heaven knows, anything goes
Nowadays, societal norms have changed, and almost anything is acceptable.
Good authors too who once knew better words
Even skilled writers, who once used sophisticated language, now use simpler, four-letter words.
Now only use four letter words writing prose, anything goes
Authors use less refined language when writing, reflecting the relaxed standards of today.
The world has gone mad today and good's bad today
The world seems chaotic, with good considered bad, black considered white, and day confused with night.
And black's white today and day's night today
Contrast and confusion in societal values are highlighted.
When most guys today that women prize today
Many men nowadays, whom women admire, are superficial and insincere playboys.
Are just silly gigolos
Refers to men who are only interested in shallow relationships.
So though I'm not a great romancer
Even though the singer isn't a great romantic, they believe the listener will respond positively.
I know that you're bound to answer
Expressing confidence that the listener will agree to a proposal.
When I propose, anything goes
Confidently stating that anything is acceptable when proposing.
In olden days a glimpse of stocking
Reiteration of the past's perception of a glimpse of stocking as scandalous.
Was looked on as something shocking
Emphasizing the shift in societal norms mentioned in line 3.
Now heaven knows, anything goes
Repeating the idea that almost anything is acceptable in today's society.
And good authors too who once knew better words
Reiterating the decline in language standards among accomplished authors.
Now only use four letter words writing prose
Authors now use simpler language, including four-letter words, in their prose.
Cause anything goes
Stressing the theme that anything is permissible in the current cultural climate.
The world has gone mad today and good's bad today
Highlighting the perceived madness in the contemporary world, with contrasts and confusion.
And black's white today and day's night today
Reiteration of contrasting values and confusion in today's society.
When most guys today that women prize today
Many men admired by women today are portrayed as insincere playboys.
Are just silly gigolos
Reiterating the negative qualities of the men mentioned in line 27.
So though I'm not a great romancer
Despite not being highly romantic, the singer expects a positive response from the listener.
I know that you're bound to answer
Confidently anticipating a positive answer when proposing.
When I propose, anything goes
Repeating the idea that anything is acceptable in proposing.
May I say before this record spins to a close
Before concluding the song, the singer wants to emphasize that everything is acceptable.
I want you to know anything goes
Affirming the theme that anything goes, reiterating the song's central message.
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