On Broadway
Adrian Bailey Frederick B. Owens Ken Ard & Victor Trent Cook Lyrics
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On Broadway
They say there's always magic in the air
But when you're walkin' down that street
And you ain't have enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
They say the women treat you fine
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
How ya gonna make some time
When all you got is one thin dime
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
They say that I won't last too long
On Broadway
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say
But they get wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
I won't quit till I'm a star
On Broadway
On Broadway
On Broadway
The song "On Broadway" paints a contrasting picture of the glamour and the harsh realities of show business. The opening lyrics suggest that there is something magical or awe-inspiring about the bright lights and neon signs of Broadway, and that there is something special about the atmosphere of that place. However, this view is challenged by the reality of the streets for those struggling in the industry. The second verse of the song speaks of the women who treat you fine on Broadway, but as the title of the song suggests, it is all an illusion, a show. The song creates a sense of disillusionment, as though the singer has come to the realization that the people and the environment of the stage are not what they seem from a distance.
The third verse of the song is ultimately optimistic, suggesting that the singer will not be deterred by the harsh reality of their situation, but will persevere until they are a star. The song uses vivid imagery and a catchy melody to convey the contrast between the glamour and the gritty reality of show business.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
The lights on Broadway are bright, as people say.
On Broadway
The place being referred to is Broadway.
They say there's always magic in the air
There is an aura of magic surrounding Broadway, according to popular belief.
But when you're walkin' down that street
However, when one walks down that street,
And you ain't have enough to eat
And if someone is hungry,
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
Then the supposed magic and beauty of the place disappears and it becomes just another street - a dead end.
They say the women treat you fine
People also say that women treat men well on Broadway.
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
However, the artist feels sad and despondent when he looks at them.
How ya gonna make some time
How can someone make any meaningful connection with another person
When all you got is one thin dime
When you are financially struggling, having only one dime.
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
It is not even enough to polish one's shoes.
They say that I won't last too long
People also think that the artist will not survive on Broadway for long.
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say
They predict that the singer will go back to his hometown by bus.
But they get wrong, I know they are
However, the singer knows that they are mistaken.
'Cause I can play this here guitar
Because the singer is skilled in playing the guitar.
I won't quit till I'm a star
The artist is determined to become a star and will not give up.
On Broadway
He specifically wants to succeed on Broadway.
On Broadway
He repeats the line, emphasizing his goal and determination.
On Broadway
He repeats it again to drive the point home.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind