A Jamaican keyboards player, Worked for producer Lee "Scratch" Perry in Kingston, Jamaica in the late 1960s.
Collins also played with The Upsetters, Black Uhuru, The Mighty Diamonds, Barrington Levy and Jimmy Cliff in a long career.BUT his massive hit was DOUBLE BARREL with songster ,the incomparable DAVE BARKER 1969
On Broadway
Ansel Collins 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" by Ansel Collins explores the allure and harsh realities of the famous New York City street, which has been home to numerous theaters and musical productions throughout history. The opening lyrics "They say the neon lights are bright, on Broadway" sets a tone of fantasy and possibility. It suggests that there is a magical quality to the street that inspires dreams and aspirations in those who walk down it. However, the second half of the verse undermines this sentiment with the lyric "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." This line reveals that the reality of the street is tough and unforgiving for those who do not have the means to participate in its glitz and glamor. The second verse adds another layer to this critique, contrasting the optimism of the first half with the cynicism of the second. While it is said that the women on Broadway treat you fine, the singer can only see the blues in their faces. The metaphor of having only one thin dime highlights the harshness of survival on the street. The third verse then takes the song in a new direction, as the singer asserts that despite the challenges, he has what it takes to succeed on Broadway. He will not be deterred by those who say he won't last, and he will play his guitar until he becomes a star. The repetition of the chorus at the end of the song emphasizes the singer's confidence and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
People say that the neon lights are bright and flashy on Broadway
On Broadway
Broadway is the name of a street in New York City known for its high-end theaters and entertainment industry
They say there's always magic in the air
People believe that there is always an enchanting and exciting atmosphere on Broadway
But when you're walkin' down that street
However, if you walk down that street
And you ain't have enough to eat
And if you are hungry and don't have any food to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
Then, the glamour and splendor of Broadway fades away and you feel like you are in a dead end
They say the women treat you fine
People also say that the women are friendly and hospitable towards men on Broadway
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
However, looking at them only makes me sad
How ya gonna make some time
How are you supposed to spend quality time with them
When all you got is one thin dime
When all you have is one small, insignificant amount of money
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
And that amount of money isn't even enough to buy shoe polish to clean your shoes with
They say that I won't last too long
People predict that I won't survive for long on Broadway
On Broadway
On the street named Broadway
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say
Everyone thinks I will return back to my hometown by traveling on a Greyhound bus
But they get wrong, I know they are
But they are incorrect in their assumptions, and I know that
'Cause I can play this here guitar
Because I have a talent for playing the guitar
I won't quit till I'm a star
I will not give up until I become a famous celebrity
On Broadway
On the street named Broadway
On Broadway
On the street named Broadway
On Broadway
On the street named Broadway
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind