The Meaning Behind The Song: Love For Sale by Cole Porter

Cole Porter’s “Love For Sale” is widely regarded as one of the most controversial and critically-acclaimed jazz compositions of all time. Although Porter’s vivacious lyrics and upbeat music may suggest a tale of passion and sensuality, a deeper analysis of this song sheds light on its implications on the dark and often neglected realities of human trafficking and prostitution. In this article, we will explore the need-to-know facts about “Love For Sale”, as well as its hidden meaning.

The background of the song

Written by Cole Porter in 1930 for the musical “The New Yorkers,” “Love For Sale” was initially raised quite a few eyebrows. Porter’s frank and descriptive lyrics were deemed far too risqué for the time and were even banned by the BBC and various other radio stations. Despite its provocative content, the song found its way to becoming a hit; it quickly became a favourite with jazz musicians which helped promote it to even further success.

The meaning and interpretation

Although “Love For Sale” was initially received as merely a musing on the life of a professional lady of the night, Porter subverted commonly accepted themes of call girl imagery with an artful blend of satire and commentary that exposed the dark underbelly of prostitution and the slave trade.

Porter had previously lost a family member to suicide after his wife discovered he had lived a double life keeping the ‘other woman’. Porter was often vocal about his lack of regard for marital infidelity as well as the degrading impact prostitution had on women.

The verses of the song are brilliantly ambiguous, providing meaning to both sides of the prostitution lifestyle. The song’s detractors saw it as a glorification of the flesh trade, an amoral endorsement of a sexual reality they felt should be shunned. Those who celebrated the song tended to overlook the stark reality of the lyrics, seeing only the sizzling, noir-ish atmosphere of an illicit romance experienced within the shadow of the night.

The lyrics and their implications

The lyrics of “Love For Sale” take you on a voyeuristic tour of an appointed servant who is sold to the highest bidder. Porter is piercingly frank as he describes a young woman trained in the arts of seduction to make a living as a transactional prostitute. Porter’s depiction of this bleak reality drove home the point that women were often forced into this kind of work due to circumstances beyond their control.

The line “Fresh fish, sold out in advance,” speaks to the fact that the market for prostitution had grown to an all-time high. Women were often kept captive, vulnerable, and forced into sexual encounters without their consent – a cruel reality that is still in play today.

The impact of “Love For Sale”

Despite the song’s controversial reception, its lasting impact on popular culture is undeniable. The melody of “Love For Sale” has gone on to inspire numerous other hit songs such as The Doors’ “Light My Fire”, and the essential standards, “Satin Doll” and “In The Mood.” The song has also been covered by a wealth of illustrious musicians from Ella Fitzgerald, to Billie Holiday, and Miles Davis.

Notably, when Billie Holiday covered the song, she was warned by the record company to avoid parts of the lyrics in her performance. However, Holiday refused to sing a censored version of the song, choosing instead to sing it as intended, showing just how important it is to appreciate the context in which a song was composed.

FAQs

Is this song about prostitution?

Yes, the song of “Love For Sale” is about prostitution, and more broadly about how women were forced into this life without their consent.

Why was it banned by the BBC and other radio stations?

The song was banned by many radio stations due to its provocation lyrics that were deemed far too dirty and risqué for the time.

What was Cole Porter’s involvement with prostitution?

Cole Porter was strongly against the prostitution industry, and he often spoke out about the difficult realities that many women faced—situations that ultimately forced them into prostitution.

Who has covered the song?

A range of celebrities has covered the song, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis.

What impact does “Love For Sale” have on popular culture?

The song has inspired many other hit songs and has become a jazz standard over the years.

What does “Fresh fish, sold out in advance” mean?

This line speaks to the fact that the availability of prostitutes for hire has become the norm, and many young women are being sold like commodities in advance.

What is the literary background to the song?

The song was written by Cole Porter in 1930 for a musical play called “The New Yorkers.”

Was the song intended to be controversial?

Cole Porter never intended to cause as much controversy as he did, but it’s fair to say that he knew that the provocative nature of the song would get a reaction from listeners.

What was the original reception of “Love For Sale?”

The song was greeted with mixed reactions. Many people saw it as a positive portrayal of prostitution, while others saw it as a condemnation of the lives of women who were forced into the industry.

What inspired Cole Porter to write “Love For Sale?”

Cole Porter lost a relative to suicide after his wife discovered that he’d lived a secret life with another woman. As someone who spoke out against prostitution, Porter was inspired to delve deeper into the dark world of prostitution with this song, shedding light on its darker realities.

What is the overall message behind “Love For Sale?”

The overall message Porter wanted to convey was about the ugly truths of prostitution and the inherent difficulties that many women faced. His message still rings true today, with many women around the world being trafficked into prostitution.

Is there anything noteworthy about Billie Holiday’s performance of the song?

Billie Holiday’s refusal to sing a censored version of “Love For Sale” was notable, revealing how important is it to appreciate a song’s context. Holiday had a reputation for being an unapologetic advocate for breaking down barriers, and it was essential for her to sing the song exactly as Porter had intended it.

In conclusion

“Love For Sale” is an undeniably iconic song that has been played, covered, and enjoyed by fans of all ages. However, the deeper meaning behind the song is one of disturbing clarity—it highlights the reality of the human trafficking industry and the realities of prostitution for women in western society. Overall, this is a song that serves as an important reminder of the darker corners of human life, and it remains an impactful hymn to this day.