Brubeck's style ranged from refined to bombastic, reflecting his mother's attempts at classical training and his improvisational skills. Much of his music employed unusual time signatures, a fact jokingly referred to by his greatest hits album 'Time Signatures: A Career Retrospective'. Upon his death, a number of commentators noted his crossover appeal to mainstream pop audiences, something putting him in the company of other jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Herbie Hancock among others.
Lullaby Of Broadway
Dave Brubeck Lyrics
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The Lullaby of Broadway
The hip hooray and bally hoo
The Lullaby of Broadway
The rumble of a subway train
The rattle of a taxi
The daffodils who entertain
When a Broadway baby says good night
It's early in the morning
Manhattan babies don't sleep tight
Until the dawn
Goodnight, baby
Goodnight, the milkman's on his way
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep tight, let's call it a day, hey
Come on along, listen to
The Lullaby of Broadway
The Copacabana, Birdland to
The Lullaby of Broadway
The band begins to go to town
And everything gets hazy
You rock-a-bye your baby 'round
To Ellington or Basie
When a Broadway baby says good night
It's early in the morning
Manhattan babies don't sleep tight
Until the dawn
Goodnight, baby
Goodnight, the milkman's on his way
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep tight, let's call it a day
But listen to the Lullaby of Old Broadway
Come on along and be a Broadway
Broadway
Goodnight, baby
Goodnight, the milkman's on his way
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep tight, let's call it a day
But listen to the Lullaby of Old Broadway
The song "Lullaby of Broadway" by Dave Brubeck is an ode to the iconic street that is the epicenter of entertainment in New York City. It is a tribute to the fanciful sights and sounds of Broadway, from the bright lights to the boisterous crowds. The song starts with a playful invitation to come along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway, a whimsical lullaby that is not meant to soothe but rather to energize. The refrain of "Goodnight, baby" is a teasing reminder that Manhattan never truly sleeps and is always ready for the next party.
The lyrics perfectly capture the bustling energy of the city, with the rumble of subway trains, the rattle of taxis, and the daffodils who entertain at Angelo's and Maxie's. The mention of iconic nightclubs like Copacabana and Birdland shows that the song is not about the Broadway theater district alone but includes the nightlife scene that spills over into the rest of the city. The idea of rocking the baby to the tunes of Duke Ellington or Count Basie reflects the idea that the jazzy beat of the city's music is soothing and comforting even as it keeps you awake.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on along and listen to
The Lullaby of Broadway
The hip hooray and bally hoo
The Lullaby of Broadway
Join the fun and excitement of the energetic and bustling atmosphere of Broadway that never sleeps, which is filled with lively entertainment and enthusiastic cheer.
The rumble of a subway train
The rattle of a taxi
The daffodils who entertain
At Angelo's and Maxie's
Experience the everyday noises of the city that never sleeps, including the sound of the subway and the hustle and bustle of taxis, and witness the vivid colors and performances of daffodils at famous restaurants such as Angelo's and Maxie's.
When a Broadway baby says good night
It's early in the morning
Manhattan babies don't sleep tight
Until the dawn
Even though a performer may finish their show late at night and say goodnight, it is actually already early in the morning, and babies born and raised in Manhattan don't sleep until dawn due to the lively and bustling atmosphere of the city.
Goodnight, baby
Goodnight, the milkman's on his way
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep tight, let's call it a day, hey
Say goodnight, as the milkman is already on his way to deliver milk, and it's time to call it a day and get some rest.
Come on along, listen to
The Lullaby of Broadway
The Copacabana, Birdland to
The Lullaby of Broadway
Come along and listen to more places on Broadway that never sleep, such as the Copacabana and Birdland, and experience the continued energy and excitement of the city.
The band begins to go to town
And everything gets hazy
You rock-a-bye your baby 'round
To Ellington or Basie
As the band starts to play, the excitement and adrenaline of the moment can make everything seem a bit hazy or blurry, and you can dance or sway your baby to the rhythm of legendary performers such as Duke Ellington or Count Basie.
Goodnight, baby
Goodnight, the milkman's on his way
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep tight, let's call it a day
But listen to the Lullaby of Old Broadway
Say goodnight and it's time for bed as the milkman is already on his way, yet don't forget to listen to the classic Lullaby of Old Broadway before drifting off to sleep.
Come on along and be a Broadway
Broadway
Join the fun and excitement of Broadway, and become a part of the vibrant energy and lively atmosphere that is never ending.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY WARREN, AL DUBIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind