Cole Porter (1891 – 1964)
American composer and songwriter noted for his sophisticated lyrics, clever rhymes, and complex forms.
Electric eels I might add do it,
Though it shocks 'em I know...
This rule I propose,
Always have an ace in the hole.
You're the smile
On the Mona Lisa.
You're the pain in my —
The hurricane in my —
Supersensitive heart, dear.
Still I love you, I know,
And the reason is merely because
You irritate me so!
What is this thing called love?
This funny thing called love?
Just who can solve this mystery?
Why should it make a fool of me?
Some Argentines, without means, do it,
People say, in Boston, even beans do it.
Let's do it, let's fall in love.
The wit of his words depended on his ability to raise the audience immediately to his own level — and keep it there. The instant happiness that Porter gave his audience is the kind that becomes history.
Sad times
May follow your tracks,
Bad times
May bar you from Saks,
Add times
When Satan in slacks
Breaks down your self control...
Be the poor silly ass
And you'll always travel first class.
Give 'em quips, give 'em fun,
And they'll pay to say you're A–1.
If you become a farmer, you've the weather to buck.
If become a gambler you'll be struck with your luck.
But jack you'll never lack if you can quack like a duck.
Be a clown, be a clown, be a clown.
Be a clown, be a clown,
All the world loves a clown.
Act the fool, play the calf,
And you'll always have the last laugh.
In a way no other songs of the period quite did, Porter's created a world. It was a between–the–wars realm of drop–dead chic and careless name–dropping insouciance. And it was a sexy place to be invited.
The chimpanzees in the zoos do it,
Some courageous kangaroos do it
Let's do it, let's fall in love.
There's an, oh such a hungry yearning burning inside of me.