 The strong ironic innuendo is that she trades sexual favours for gifts.The song is full of wordplay, such as the spoonerism "If the Harris pat means a Paris hat ..."

The song is sung in the second half of the show by Lois (Bianca) to her love interest, Bill (Lucentio), who has become frustrated with Lois' 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.