Anything Goes

The song 'Anything Goes' by the artist of the same name is a satirical commentary on the changing social norms and moral values over time. The lyrics reflect a sense of bewilderment and amusement at how drastically society's standards have shifted. The opening lines reference the Puritans, known for their strict moral code, and contrast their shock with the modern world's anything-goes attitude. This sets the stage for a series of observations about how behaviors once considered scandalous are now commonplace.

The song uses humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of these changes. For instance, the mention of 'good authors' who now use 'four-letter words' in their prose points to a decline in literary standards, while the line about grandmothers getting 'matey with gigolos' in nightclubs underscores the erosion of traditional family values. The repeated phrase 'anything goes' serves as a refrain that emphasizes the song's central theme: the world has become a place where almost any behavior is acceptable.

Cultural references, such as Mae West and nudist parties, add a layer of specificity to the song's critique. Mae West, known for her risqué persona, epitomizes the kind of liberated behavior that the song both mocks and marvels at. The lyrics also touch on the fluidity of moral judgments, with lines like 'good's bad today, and black's white today,' suggesting a world where moral absolutes have been turned upside down. Ultimately, 'Anything Goes' is a witty, sharp-eyed observation of societal transformation, capturing the spirit of an era where traditional boundaries are constantly being pushed.