Cole Porter was an American composer and songwriter who was famous for his clever lyrics and catchy melodies. Born in 1891, he became one of the leading figures in popular music during the 1930s and 1940s.
Porter wrote many hit songs, such as “Anything Goes,” “Night and Day,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” His work on Broadway and in Hollywood musicals brought him great success, and his songs were performed by top artists of his time.
Porter’s music earned him lasting fame, and many of his songs remain popular today. Despite facing health challenges later in life, he continued to create music that left a big impact on American popular songs.
About the Song
Brush Up Your Shakespeare is a fun and playful song from the musical Kiss Me, Kate.
It uses humor and clever rhymes to promote listening and learning Shakespeare. The lively tune and witty words make it a standout number in the show. It’s well loved for its catchy and cheerful style.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 1948 (as part of the musical Kiss Me, Kate) |
| Album | Kiss Me, Kate (Original Cast Recording) (1949) |
| Writers | Cole Porter |
| Producers | Original Broadway production (Producer: Saint Subber and Lemuel Ayers) |
Lyrics of Brush Up Your Shakespeare
The girls today in society go for classical poetry
So to win their hearts one must quote with ease
Aeschylus and Euripides
But the poet of them all
Who will start ’em simply ravin’
Is the poet people call
The Bard of Stratford on Avon
Brush up your Shakespeare
Start quoting him now
Brush up your Shakespeare
And the women you will wow
Just declaim a few lines from Othella
And they’ll think you’re a hell of a fella
If your blond won’t respond when you flatter ‘er
Tell her what Tony told Cleopatterer
If she fights when her clothes you are mussing
What are clothes? Much ado about nussing
Brush up your Shakespeare
And they’ll all kow-tow
With the wife of the British ambessida
Try a crack out of Troilus and Cressida
If she says she won’t buy it or tike it
Make her tike it, what’s more ‘As You Like It’
If she says your behavior is heinous
Kick her right in the Coriolanus
Brush up your Shakespeare
And they’ll all kow-tow, thinkst thou?
And they’ll all kow-tow, odds Bodkins
All kow-tow
Similar Songs to Brush Up Your Shakespeare
If you enjoy “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” by Cole Porter, here are some of his other songs that share its playful tone, witty lyrics, and lively style:
- You’re the Top: A fun and clever song full of witty comparisons and fast-paced wordplay, much like Brush Up Your Shakespeare.
- Anything Goes: Features humorous lyrics and catchy rhythms, celebrating freedom and cheeky humor in a style similar to Brush Up Your Shakespeare.
- Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love): Uses playful rhymes and clever phrases to talk about love, keeping the same light and witty feel.
- Friendship: A cheerful and humorous duet highlighting the ups and downs of friendship with catchy lines and fun exchanges.
- It’s De-Lovely: Bright and joyful, with clever wordplay and a catchy melody, perfect for fans of Porter’s playful writing style.
Similar Artists Like Cole Porter
These artists and composers share Cole Porter’s love for witty lyrics, musical theatre, and timeless melodies, making them great choices for fans of his work:
- Irving Berlin
Genres: Traditional Pop, Musical Theatre
Top Albums: Annie Get Your Gun (1946), Easter Parade (1948), White Christmas (1954) - Richard Rodgers
Genres: Musical Theatre, Traditional Pop
Top Albums: Oklahoma! (1943), South Pacific (1949), The Sound of Music (1959) - Noël Coward
Genres: Traditional Pop, Cabaret
Top Albums: Noël Coward at Las Vegas (1955), Noël Coward in New York (1957), The Noël Coward Album (1956)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Originally Performed Brush Up Your Shakespeare?
Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore originally performed the song in the 1953 film version of Kiss Me, Kate.*
Did Cole Porter write both the Lyrics and Music for the Song?
Yes, Cole Porter wrote both the lyrics and music for “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.”
Is Brush Up Your Shakespeare Still Performed Today?
Yes, it remains a popular number in productions of Kiss Me, Kate and musical revues.
