Anything Goes (mono single version)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a world where societal norms have dramatically shifted, leaving behind old standards of propriety. The opening lines contrast a bygone era, where a "glimpse of stocking" was scandalous, with the present reality where "Anything goes." This sets a tone of bewildered observation, a sense that the rules have been rewritten overnight. The narrator notices this change across various aspects of life, from literature to social interactions. The central tension arises from this perceived moral and cultural decay. The narrator observes that "Good authors" now resort to "four-letter words," and the world has become so topsy-turvy that "good's bad" and "black's white." This isn't just a neutral observation; there's an underlying critique, a sense that genuine value is being replaced by superficiality, as evidenced by the mention of "silly gigolos" being prized. The repeated phrase "Anything goes" acts as both a description of this new reality and a resigned shrug. The most striking craft element is the relentless, almost dizzying repetition of "Anything goes," particularly in the interlude and outro. This refrain hammers home the central theme, creating a sense of inevitability and perhaps a touch of chaos. The rapid-fire, almost nonsensical list of woes in "Bridge 2" – "shocks you've got," "knocks you've got," "blues you've got" – further amplifies the feeling of pervasive trouble, all seemingly stemming from the modern world, perhaps even the "little radios" that disseminate information and influence. Ultimately, the lyrics' effectiveness lies in their sharp, if somewhat cynical, commentary on changing times. The narrator's voice, though not a "great romancer," uses this observation of societal flux to justify a personal proposal, implying that in such a chaotic world, even a bold romantic gesture might just work. The song captures a feeling of disorientation and a questioning of established values, making the simple, repeated phrase "Anything goes" resonate with a surprising weight.