Broadway Melody
Charles King Lyrics


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Don't bring a frown to old Broadway
You've got to clown on Broadway
Your troubles there are out of style
For Broadway always wears a smile
A million lights they flicker there
A million hearts beat quicker there
No skies of grey on the great White Way
That's the Broadway melody

Don't bring a frown to old Broadway
You've got to clown on broadway
Your troubles there are out of style
For Broadway always wears a smile
A million lights they flicker there




A million hearts beat quicker there
No skies of grey on the great White Way

Overall Meaning

"Broadway Melody" is a classic song from the 1929 musical film of the same name. The lyrics suggest that Broadway is the place to go if you want to escape your problems and enjoy life, as everyone there is always happy and smiling. The song encourages the listener to put on a show, forget their troubles, and enjoy the bright lights and excitement of the city. The verses repeat the same lyrics, emphasizing the message that Broadway is a place where everything is upbeat and carefree. The melody is upbeat and catchy, with a cheery melody that suits the song's lyrics.


The song was written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown and performed by Charles King in the film. It was the first sound film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, and "Broadway Melody" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song that same year. The song became an instant hit and remains a beloved classic, frequently performed in musicals and on Broadway.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't bring a frown to old Broadway
When you're on Broadway, you need to leave any negative emotions behind and present a happy face to the world.


You've got to clown on Broadway
To be successful on Broadway, you need to put on a show for the audience, to entertain them and win their approval.


Your troubles there are out of style
Broadway is a place of fantasy and escape, an alternate reality where real-world problems are left behind for the duration of the show.


For Broadway always wears a smile
The atmosphere of Broadway is infectiously joyful - everyone is happy to be there, from the performers to the audience, and this creates an environment of positivity.


A million lights they flicker there
The bright lights of Broadway represent the hope and dreams of every performer who steps onto the stage - a chance to shine, to be seen and heard.


A million hearts beat quicker there
The pulse of Broadway is palpable, with the energy and excitement of the crowds and performers alike feeding off each other.


No skies of grey on the great White Way
Broadway is a place of constant light and color, with no room for darkness or melancholy - it is the epitome of the American Dream, a symbol of joy and hope for all who come to experience it.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ARTHUR FREED, NACIO BROWN, NACIO HERB BROWN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@brookcrowley4254

I have that very same phonograph record. He is credited on that early electric record on His Master's Voice as a comedian with orchestra. Ain't that the truth?!

@CatsPjamas1

@whopfrog2 For a time, I watched "Broadway Melody" every year on my birthday. I was a big fan of Charles King, and had quite a crush on Anita Page. The movie really captures the feel of the 1920's.

@mainaccount131

Super excellent with very good interesting photos

@maddalonefarms

Gene Kelly did it better

@taliagmail.com2005

they also had this in singing in the rain

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