Dave Barker (born David John Crooks, 10 October 1947, Kingston, Jamaica), a session vocalist, and Ansell Collins (born 1949, Kingston, Jamaica) , a keyboards player, were working for producer Lee “Scratch” Perry in Kingston, Jamaica in the late 1960s, and joined forces in 1971, for the ska single “Double Barrel”. Released on Techniques Records, part of the Trojan Records label, it topped the Jamaican and UK charts in March of that year. It was the first record the celebrated drummer, Sly Dunbar, ever played on. He was aged fourteen at the time.
The follow-up release, the similarly styled “Monkey Spanner” enjoyed the same international success. Most of their recorded work was written by Winston Riley. After cutting an album, Collins and Barker parted company; Collins becoming a top class session player and Barker, now resident in the UK, singing with a number of undistinguished soul groups. They attempted a comeback in 1981 without success.
In 1986, Ansell appeared as one of Ernest Reed’s (Jimmy Cliff) back-up musicians in the reggae-themed comedy film, Club Paradise. He was billed as “Ansel (sic) “Double Barrel” Collins”[3].
Ansell Collins has played and worked with The Upsetters, Black Uhuru, The Mighty Diamonds, Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, U-Roy, Pama International and Jimmy Cliff in a long career.
On Broadway
Dave & Ansel Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Dave and Ansel Collins's "On Broadway" is a song that portrays the tough reality of trying to make it in the entertainment industry, specifically on Broadway. The first verse speaks of the magic and glamour that Broadway promises, but the harsh truth that is not seen in movies or TV shows is the poverty and struggle that comes with trying to break into the industry. Walking down the street with an empty stomach and empty pockets, the glittery lights lose their appeal and there is no sense of direction or purpose. The second verse speaks about how the women on Broadway might seem nice, however, the singer has no money to offer them, and the metaphor of the 'one thin dime that won't even shine your shoes' represents his lack of worth on Broadway. The final verse speaks about how people believe that he will never make it, which is why he is better off going back home. But he is determined to make it, and he'll do it with his guitar, and he won't stop until he gets on Broadway.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
The ubiquitous bright lights in Broadway are often talked about.
On Broadway
This is a reference to the famous street in Manhattan, New York.
They say there's always magic in the air
Broadway is a place where people often experience wonder and amazement.
But when you're walkin' down that street
However, if you're one of the many people struggling with poverty and hunger, your surroundings won't feel quite as magical.
And you ain't have enough to eat
If you're starving, nothing else matters.
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
You feel empty and devoid of any joy when you're constantly struggling to get by.
They say the women treat you fine
People often talk about how Broadway is a great place for romance, where you can expect to be treated well by women.
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
However, if you're broke and have nothing to offer, admiring these women only makes you feel more depressed.
How ya gonna make some time
If you have nothing to offer, then how are you supposed to woo anyone?
When all you got is one thin dime
You can't even afford to take someone out for a cup of coffee.
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
You're so broke that you can't even afford a basic luxury like taking care of your footwear.
They say that I won't last too long
Some people are skeptical of my chances of making it in the highly competitive world of Broadway.
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say
They have little faith in me and believe I'd be better off withdrawing from the scene.
But they get wrong, I know they are
I have confidence in my abilities and perseverance, and I believe that I can defy the odds.
'Cause I can play this here guitar
I have a skill that can help me stand out and make a name for myself in the industry.
I won't quit till I'm a star
I'm determined to succeed and become one of the top performers on Broadway.
On Broadway
This is a repeated reference to the famous street in Manhattan that is synonymous with musical theater and entertainment.
On Broadway
The song ends with the repeating the name of the famous street that is at the center of the performer's dreams and aspirations.
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