Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a world turned upside down, where traditional values and norms have been completely inverted. It opens with a stark contrast to the past, suggesting that if the Puritans experienced the same societal shifts today, they'd be the ones shocked, not the ones delivering it. This sets a tone of radical change, where even the foundational moments of American history are recontextualized through a modern, more permissive lens. The phrase "anything goes" becomes a refrain for this societal upheaval. This sense of inversion is further emphasized by the shift in language and social mores. The narrator points out how what was once considered scandalous, like a "glimpse of stocking," is now commonplace. Even literature has devolved, with authors resorting to "four letter words" instead of more refined language. This isn't just about changing fashion or slang; it's about a fundamental breakdown of established standards, leading to a feeling that the world has gone "mad." The most striking aspect is the direct equation of opposites: "good's bad today / And black's white today / And day's night today." This hyperbolic declaration underscores the complete disorientation and moral ambiguity the narrator perceives. The mention of "silly gigolos" as the type of men women now prize further illustrates this perceived decline in standards, suggesting a superficiality has replaced genuine worth. The narrator, despite acknowledging his own lack of romantic prowess, feels confident in proposing because, in this topsy-turvy world, even his own conventional gesture might be accepted. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their relentless, almost gleeful, cataloging of societal decay and moral confusion. The repetition of "anything goes" acts as both an observation and a surrender to this chaotic new reality. It's a sharp, witty commentary on how quickly perceived norms can crumble, leaving behind a world where conventional proposals might just work precisely because nothing makes sense anymore.