Love For Sale

Cole Porter's song 'Love For Sale' is a poignant and evocative exploration of the commodification of love, set against the backdrop of a lonely, desolate cityscape. The opening lines paint a vivid picture of an empty street, where the only sound is the heavy tread of a lonesome cop. This imagery sets the stage for the narrator, who opens shop under the indifferent gaze of the moon, suggesting a sense of routine and resignation in their nightly activities.

The chorus, 'Love for sale, appetizing young love for sale,' starkly presents the theme of love as a commodity. The narrator offers 'love that's fresh and still unspoiled,' yet acknowledges it is 'only slightly soiled,' hinting at the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of their profession. This juxtaposition of purity and corruption underscores the bittersweet nature of the narrator's existence, where love is both a product and a means of survival.

Porter contrasts the romanticized notions of love celebrated by poets with the narrator's lived experience. The line 'I know every type of love, better far than they' speaks to a deep, albeit cynical, understanding of love's many forms, except for 'true love.' This distinction highlights the narrator's disillusionment and the emotional toll of their trade. The invitation to 'follow me and climb the stairs' serves as a final, haunting reminder of the transactional nature of their world, where love is bought and sold, but never truly felt.

'Love For Sale' is a masterful blend of lyrical storytelling and social commentary, capturing the complexities of love, loss, and survival in a way that is both timeless and deeply human.