… Read Full Bio ↴Blossom Dearie (1924-2009) was an American jazz singer and pianist.
Born on 28th April 1924 in East Durham, New York, of mixed Scottish and Norwegian ancestry, Dearie began her career in vocal groups in New York. In the early 1950s she moved to Paris, forming her own vocal group, The Blue Stars, later to become the Swingle Singers.
After signing to Verve, Dearie returned to the U.S. where, despite developing a successful career and achieving international fame, by 1974 the lack of interest from major labels led her to start her own label, Daffodil Records. She continued performing into her eighties.
Blossom Dearie died on 7th February 2009, at her apartment in Greenwich Village, New York City
Manhattan
Blossom Dearie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Bronx and Staten Island, too
It's lovely going through
The zoo
It's very fancy
On old Delancy Street, you know
The subway charms us so
And tell me what street
Compares with Mott Street in July?
Sweet pushcarts gently
Gliding by
The great big city's a wondrous toy
Made for a girl and boy
We'll turn Manhattan
Into an isle of joy
Tell me what street
Compares with Mott Street in July?
Sweet pushcarts gently
Gliding by
The great big city's a wondrous toy
Made for a girl and boy
We'll turn Manhattan
Into an isle of joy
I'll take Manhattan
I'll take Manhattan
In Blossom Dearie's song Manhattan, we see the singer expressing their love and admiration for New York City, specifically Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The song is an ode to the city and all of its wonders. The lyrics paint a picture of a city full of charm and excitement, from the fancy streets of old Delancy Street to the bustling pushcart vendors of Mott Street in July.
The words “It's lovely going through the zoo” can be interpreted in different ways. For instance, when the singer mentions "the zoo," it can be seen as a metaphor of the city itself, as various types of people, cultures, and lifestyles intermingle in a kind of urban zoo. The following line emphasizes the charm of the subway system, which is a staple of New York City life.
The second verse compares the charming character of Mott Street in July to other streets, invoking the imagery of “sweet pushcarts gently gliding by,” which is a nod to the city’s street vendors and the unique cultural tapestry that they represent. The singer then declares that the city is a “wondrous toy,” made for people to explore, experience, and enjoy. The final repetition of the chorus solidifies this sentiment - that Manhattan is a place to be loved and explored.
Overall, Blossom Dearie's Manhattan captures the essence of New York City and its rich cultural vibrancy. It is a song that encapsulates the city's unique character, an inseparable mix of excitement, diversity, and charm.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll take Manhattan
I want to visit Manhattan
The Bronx and Staten Island, too
I want to explore other areas of New York City
It's lovely going through The zoo
I love visiting the zoo in Manhattan
It's very fancy On old Delancy Street, you know
The street has a lot of fancy stores and is located in a famous neighborhood
The subway charms us so When balmy breezes blow to and fro
I like the subway when the wind is blowing in Manhattan
And tell me what street Compares with Mott Street in July? Sweet pushcarts gently Gliding by
Mott Street has a unique charm in July when the street vendors are out selling their goods
The great big city's a wondrous toy Made for a girl and boy
New York City is a magical place for anyone to explore
We'll turn Manhattan Into an isle of joy
I want to make Manhattan a happy and fun place to be
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arlene Corwin
As in Tea For Two (same album) the tempo in Manhattan is just lovely at its slow, clear-lyric pace. So hard to pull off without sounding as if you're dragging. Dear, dear Blossom! Arlene Corwin
John E Hawkes
Thanks a million, Vlad! Blossom playing her own piano accompaniment, I think? That phrasing beginning at 2.38 is particularly sublime! What diction throughout too.