Always True to You in My Fashion

"Always True to You in My Fashion" is a 1948 show-tune by Cole Porter, written for the musical Kiss Me, Kate. In the lyrics, the singer protests that she is always faithful to her main love in her own way, despite seeing, and accepting gifts from, wealthy older men.

It is sung in the later part of the show by Lois (Bianca) to her love interest, Bill (Lucentio), who has become frustrated with Lois's penchant for older wealthy men.

Broadway actress and singer Lisa Kirk, who originated the role of Lois/Bianca, introduced the song in the second act of the original (1948) production.

The song was notably sung by Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, and Blossom Dearie. It is based on a similarly ironic poem by Ernest Dowson (1867–1900) that featured the line: "I have been faithful to thee, Cynara! in my fashion." There is also a version on the "Della Della Cha-Cha-Cha" album in 1961 by Della Reese.

Cultural references

• In some versions of the lyrics, there are references to the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston and Mack the Knife from the "Threepenny Opera".
• In an apparent allusion to Porter's song, Morrissey's "Speedway", from the 1994 album Vauxhall & I, includes the lines "In my own strange way, I've always been true to you / In my own sick way, I'll always stay true to you".

References

• Green, Stanley. Broadway Musicals, Show by Show. Milwaukee, WI: H. Leonard Books, 1985.
• Willis, John, Ben Hodges, and Tom Lynch. Theatre World 1999-2000 Season. Volume 56. New York: Applause, 2003.