This Is Only the Beginning

Song Meaning

The lyrics set a scene of nostalgic broadcast, framing the music as a comforting escape. Smilin' Eddie Fatootsie, broadcasting from the Altoona Motor Hotel, promises "toe-tapping, hand-clapping, finger-snapping, speed melodies" designed to make listeners "forget the cares of the day." This establishes a light, almost kitschy atmosphere, where the music is presented as a balm for everyday troubles, offering "songs of love and laughter, joy and tears." The core tension emerges in the contrast between this promised escapism and the sharp, anachronistic wit of the Cole Porter verses. While Eddie offers a smooth, generalized comfort, Porter injects a historical commentary that subverts expectations. The initial setup suggests a gentle journey through music, but the lyrics quickly pivot to a more pointed observation. The craft here lies in the juxtaposition of the smooth, radio-host patter with Porter's clever wordplay. The repeated image of "Plymouth Rock" is central, but its meaning is flipped. Initially, it represents a historical landing, a point of origin. By the second verse, "Plymouth Rock would land on them," suggesting a reversal of power or a critique of historical judgment, turning a symbol of arrival into one of being overwhelmed or judged. This lyrical structure creates a surprising effect, making the listener reconsider the nature of historical progress and societal change. The seemingly simple promise of pleasant music is undercut by a witty, almost rebellious historical observation, leaving a lingering sense of ironic commentary beneath the surface of light entertainment.