… 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
On Broadway
Blossom Dearie 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
Blossom Dearie's "On Broadway" is a song that explores the contrasting experiences of living it up and living precariously in the heart of New York City's theatre district. The lyrics describe the allure of the bright lights and promise of magic that often draws people to the area, but also the harsh reality of a depleted wallet, run-down shoes, and nowhere to go. The singer of the song finds it hard to keep up with the women and the high life in Broadway, as he cannot even afford to buy a shine for his shoes with his one thin dime. He acknowledges that many people believe he will end up just like the many others who left and never made it, but he still has dreams of making it big and won't quit until he does.
The song captures the essence of struggle and perseverance that is so synonymous with the performing arts industry. On one hand, Broadway is seen as the ultimate destination for anyone with a passion for entertainment, and the promise of fame and fortune. But on the other hand, it can also be a place where people are forced to make tough choices and live on the edge just to pursue their dreams. "On Broadway" provides a poignant expression of these two opposing realities of the theatre district, making it a classic that still resonates with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
People often say that the neon lights are bright and attractive on the street of Broadway
On Broadway
Blossom Dearie mentions the location of Broadway, a famous street in New York City known for its theaters and entertainment
They say there's always magic in the air
Broadway is believed to have an aura of excitement and enchantment at all times
But when you're walkin' down that street
Despite what people say or believe about Broadway, when you are walking down the street, you may feel differently
And you ain't have enough to eat
If you are struggling financially and cannot afford basic necessities like food, the glamour of Broadway may be lost on you
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
The superficial, glittery exterior of Broadway disappears when you don't have the resources to enjoy it, and you may feel lost
They say the women treat you fine
Broadway is believed to be a place where women are friendly and accommodating to men
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
Despite the positive reputation of women on Broadway, the artist feels sad or depressed when they see them
How ya gonna make some time
The artist questions how he can find time for anything on Broadway
When all you got is one thin dime
When you are broke and only have a small amount of money, like a dime, it is hard to do much on Broadway
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
The singer emphasizes how little a dime can buy by saying it cannot even be used to clean or shine shoes
They say that I won't last too long
There are doubts about the artist's ability to remain successful on Broadway
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say
If the singer fails on Broadway, people believe he will have to return home by a bus service called Greyhound
But they get wrong, I know they are
The singer has confidence and disagrees with those who doubt his ability to succeed on Broadway
'Cause I can play this here guitar
The singer believes his talent for playing the guitar will help him succeed on Broadway
I won't quit till I'm a star
The artist is determined not to give up until they achieve fame on Broadway
On Broadway
This line functions as a chorus, repeating the name of the famous street and repeating the desire for success on that street
On Broadway
The chorus repeats, emphasizing the desire for fame and opportunity on Broadway
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Heather Collins
on Comment Allez Vous
(Parlez-vous Français?)
Mais oui, allons-y
(Parlez-vous chère madame?)
Comment allez vous? Fancy bumping into you
Comment allez vous? Tell me everything that's new
Are you happy are you sad?
Feeling good or feeling bad?
(and is there anything you're craving?)
(do you feel like misbehaving?)
Comment allez vous? Gee, it's nice to see you here
Comment allez vous? You look better every year
I was really on my way, but I had to stop and say:
Comment allez vous?
(Comment allez vous petit chou?)
Say it, it has 'savoir faire'
(Comment allez vous mon minou?)
Has a continental air
(once she heard it in the land, from a chinese laundry man)
Cloaks and suitors, by the oodles, say it to their cute french poodles
Comment allez vous?
Spaniards say it, so do Greeks
Comment allez vous?
In the desert, so do Sheiks
(show they know a thing or two)
(it's so easy, why can't you say?)
Comment?
Comment?
Comment allez vous?