Let's Misbehave

Cole Porter's song 'Let's Misbehave' is a playful and cheeky invitation to throw caution to the wind and indulge in forbidden pleasures. The lyrics suggest a tension between societal expectations and personal desires, urging the listener to embrace their wild side. The song opens with a nod to the potential for a 'great career' and the notion of being 'too good,' implying that societal norms and propriety are holding the individual back from truly living. This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the allure of misbehavior as a form of liberation.

The chorus, 'We're all alone, no chaperone / Can get our number / The world's in slumber--let's misbehave!!!,' captures the essence of the song's rebellious spirit. The absence of a chaperone symbolizes freedom from societal scrutiny, and the world's 'slumber' suggests a rare opportunity to act without consequence. The repeated call to 'misbehave' is both a seductive and liberating proposition, encouraging the listener to seize the moment and embrace their desires.

Porter uses clever metaphors and cultural references to reinforce his message. The mention of Adam and Eve, for instance, evokes the original act of defiance and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. By comparing the lovers to 'little lovebirds' and 'men and mammals,' Porter underscores the naturalness of their desires, suggesting that misbehavior is an inherent part of being human. The playful tone and witty lyrics make 'Let's Misbehave' not just a song about rebellion, but a celebration of the joy and excitement that comes from breaking the rules.