Forty-Second Street
Don Bestor & His Orchestra & Dudley Mecum Lyrics
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On the avenue I'm taking you to
Forty-Second Street
Hear the beat of dancing feet
It's the song I love the melody of
Forty-Second Street
Little nifties from the fifties, innocent and sweet
They're side by side, they're glorified
Where the underworld can meet the elite
Forty-Second Street
Come and meet those dancing feet
On the avenue I'm taking you to
Forty-Second Street
Hear the beat of dancing feet
It's the song I love the melody of
Forty-Second Street
Little nifties from the fifties, innocent and sweet
Sexy ladies from the eighties, who are indiscreet
They're side by side, they're glorified
Where the underworld can meet the elite
Naughty, bawdy, gawdy, sporty,
Forty-Second Street
The song "Forty-Second Street" was originally written by Al Dubin and Harry Warren for the 1933 musical film of the same name. The song became a hit and has since become a quintessential American standard. The lyrics vividly portray the energy and excitement of the famous New York City thoroughfare.
The opening lines "Come and meet those dancing feet" set the tone for the song, which emphasizes the joy and sensuality of the performers on the street. The repetition of the lyrics "On the avenue I'm taking you to/ Forty-Second Street" reinforces the idea of taking the listener on a journey through the bustling streets of New York. The constant repetition emphasizes the pulsating energy of the song.
The lyrics also highlight the contrast between innocence and sexuality, as reflected in the lines "Little nifties from the fifties, innocent and sweet/ Sexy ladies from the eighties, who are indiscreet." This contrast reflects the changing times and cultural shifts that have occurred since the inception of the song. The juxtaposition of these two opposing images contributes to the overall excitement and intrigue of the song.
Overall, "Forty-Second Street" is a celebration of the vitality and diversity of New York City, with its lively street culture and endless possibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Come and meet those dancing feet
Join me and witness the joy of dancers on the street
On the avenue I'm taking you to
Follow me on this particular street I want to show you
Forty-Second Street
This is the location we are currently at
Hear the beat of dancing feet
Listen to the rhythm of the joyful dancing
It's the song I love the melody of
I adore this tune's sound the most
Little nifties from the fifties, innocent and sweet
Innocent and pleasant young folk from a time before
Sexy ladies from the eighties, who are indiscreet
Sultry women from decades past who are not afraid to be daring
They're side by side, they're glorified
They coexist and are celebrated equally
Where the underworld can meet the elite
A place where those with questionable motives can intersect with the prestigious
Naughty, bawdy, gawdy, sporty,
Suggestive, humorous, flashy, and lively
Forty-Second Street
This location is emphasized once again
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AL DUBIN, HARRY WARREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nottavictim5
OutStanding!!!
@james-flynn1938
Very different to the Australian recording of this