Dave Barker (born David John Crooks, 10 October 1947 in Kingston, Jamaica) is a session vocalist, and Ansell Collins (born 1949, also in Kingston) is a keyboard player. They were working for producer Lee "Scratch" Perry in Kingston in the late 1960s, and joined forces in 1971, for the reggae single "Double Barrel".
On Broadway
Dave Collins 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
In Dave Collins's On Broadway, the lyrics describe the dichotomy of the famous street in New York City. The first two lines acknowledge the bright and vibrant energy of the neon lights that adorn Broadway and the magical feeling that it creates for those who traverse it. However, the next verse delves into the harsher realities of life on the streets, particularly for those who struggle to make ends meet. The glittering lights and entertainment lose their appeal when one's stomach is empty and there's no money for basic necessities. The third verse focuses on the women of Broadway, whom the singer admits to finding attractive but ultimately bring him sadness when he cannot afford to enjoy their company. The final chorus sees the singer determined to succeed and become a star, despite others telling him he won't make it.
The heart of this song is a commentary on the costs and benefits of achieving fame and fortune on Broadway. The lyrics serve as a reminder of the reality that lies beneath the surface of glitz and glamour, and the challenges that one may encounter on the road to success. However, it also highlights the tenacity and ambition that is often necessary to climb the ranks and enter the spotlight. Ultimately, On Broadway is a song about perseverance and the pursuit of a dream, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
On Broadway
People often praise the bright neon lights on Broadway and believe that they carry an air of magic.
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
People tend to believe that there's always something special happening on Broadway, but in reality, when you're walking down that street hungry and without money, the magic disappears and you feel lost and hopeless.
They say the women treat you fine
On Broadway
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
Although people claim that women on Broadway are kind, it doesn't matter when you're broke and can't afford to spend time or money on them. When you only have a dime to your name, you can't even shine your shoes, let alone impress any women.
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
People seem to think that Dave won't last long on Broadway and will eventually have to head back home. However, he knows they're wrong because he has his guitar, which he can use to make a name for himself.
I won't quit till I'm a star
On Broadway
On Broadway
On Broadway
Dave is determined to become a star on Broadway and has the drive to work hard and not give up until he achieves his dreams.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind