Song Meaning

Julie Andrews' performance of "Prelude/Thoroughly Modern Millie" is a boisterous anthem of transformation, a rejection of antiquated norms in favor of the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, energy of the Jazz Age. The song's meaning isn't just about embracing new trends; it's a declaration of independence, particularly for women. Millie, the character Andrews embodies, casts off the shackles of Victorian-era expectations, eagerly adopting shorter skirts, bobbed hair, and a more assertive attitude. The lyrics highlight the societal shift from rigid morality to a more permissive and expressive culture, where activities once deemed scandalous, like dancing the tango or women embracing their sexuality, are now "quite permissible." It's a celebration of liberation and self-discovery. The lyrics cleverly address the inevitable backlash from those clinging to the past. References to critics who view the modern world as spiraling towards "sodom and gomorrah-able" behavior are dismissed with a confident assertion that "everything today is thoroughly modern." This isn't just about keeping up with the times; it's about actively participating in the creation of a new, more exciting reality. The song even touches on the evolving roles of women in society. The lines, "Men say it's criminal / What women'll do," acknowledge the resistance to female empowerment while simultaneously celebrating the audacity of women who dare to defy expectations. Ultimately, the song's meaning revolves around the exhilarating, sometimes disorienting, experience of societal change. The repeated refrain, "Everything today is thoroughly modern," acts as a mantra, a rallying cry for those ready to embrace the future. "Prelude/Thoroughly Modern Millie" isn't just a catchy tune; it's a snapshot of a pivotal moment in history, a time when old rules were being rewritten and new possibilities were emerging, especially for women navigating their place in this brave new world.