Anything Goes

Song Meaning

Chris Connor's rendition of "Anything Goes" isn't just a breezy jazz standard; it's a wry commentary on shifting social mores, served with a side of romantic fatalism. The song's central theme revolves around the dizzying pace of change and the breakdown of traditional values. Connor's delivery, while seemingly light, carries an undercurrent of bemused resignation. The opening stanzas set the stage, contrasting the shock of the Puritans with the hypothetical shock they *would* receive today, highlighting how radically societal norms have evolved—or devolved, depending on your perspective. The lyrics point to a world where once-sacrosanct boundaries have blurred, leaving a landscape where "Anything Goes." This isn't necessarily a celebration; it's more of an acknowledgement of a chaotic, unpredictable reality. The song uses specific examples to illustrate this societal shift. The lines about "a glimpse of stocking" being shocking in the past, versus the current anything-goes attitude, paint a vivid picture of changing attitudes toward sexuality and public display. Similarly, the jab at "good authors" resorting to "four-letter words" speaks to a perceived decline in artistic standards and a coarsening of cultural expression. The bridge, with its repeated assertion that "the world has gone mad," underscores the disorientation that comes with such rapid transformation. The reversal of moral and temporal markers ("good's bad," "black's white," "day's night") emphasizes the sense of upheaval and the undermining of established order. Ultimately, the song's meaning extends beyond mere social observation. It delves into the personal realm, particularly in the context of romance. Despite the narrator's self-deprecation ("I'm not a great romancer"), they concede to the prevailing ethos of the time, suggesting that even in matters of the heart, traditional rules no longer apply. The willingness to answer "when you propose" is less a declaration of love and more an acceptance of the prevailing climate: in a world where anything goes, even commitment becomes subject to the capricious winds of change. Chris Connor's interpretation leaves us pondering whether this "anything goes" mentality is liberating or simply a symptom of a society adrift.