Not to be mistak… Read Full Bio ↴Drifters is a swedish band from the city of Skövde.
Not to be mistaken för the Drifters.
On Broadway
Drifters Lyrics
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On Broadway (on Broadway)
They say there's always magic in the air (on Broadway)
But when you're walkin' down that street
And you ain't got enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
They say the girls are somethin' else
On Broadway (on Broadway)
How ya gonna make some time
When all you got is one thin dime
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes (on Broadway)
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway (on Broadway)
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say (on Broadway)
But they're wrong, I know they are
I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star
On Broadway (on Broadway)
But they're wrong, I know they are
I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway (on Broadway)
On Broadway (on Broadway)
I'm gonna make it, yeah (on Broadway)
I'll be a big, big man (on Broadway)
I'll have my name in lights (on Broadway)
Everybody gonna know me (on Broadway)
All up and down Broadway (on Broadway)
All up and down Broadway (on Broadway)
All up and down Broadway
The song "On Broadway" by The Drifters is a poignant commentary on the aspirations and struggles of young dreamers who come to New York City in search of fame and fortune on Broadway. The song is a tribute to the allure of the bright lights and the magic of the air that surrounds the iconic street. However, the song also exposes the harsh realities of life for those who have yet to make it in the city.
The opening lines of the song set the scene for the narrative, with the singer acknowledging the neon lights and the magic of the air on Broadway. However, the song quickly shifts gears, focusing on the hardships of life in the city. When walking down the street with little to eat and no prospects, the glitter of the lights fades away, leaving the singer feeling lost and without a home.
The song continues by highlighting the beautiful girls of Broadway, but even they cannot distract the singer from his struggles. The line "How ya gonna make some time when all you got is one thin dime and one thin dime won't even shine your shoes" reveals the harsh reality of the poverty experienced by many newcomers to the city.
Despite the struggles, the singer remains determined to succeed. While many may doubt him, he knows that he has the talent and drive to become a star on Broadway. The repetition of "on Broadway" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's unwavering focus on his goal. In the end, the song delivers a message of perseverance and hope, encapsulating both the struggle and the romance of chasing one's dreams in the big city.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
People claim that the neon lights on Broadway are very bright.
On Broadway (on Broadway)
The song mentions the location of the events being described is on Broadway.
They say there's always magic in the air (on Broadway)
People believe there is a certain magical feeling in the atmosphere on Broadway.
But when you're walkin' down that street And you ain't got enough to eat The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
However, when you're walking on Broadway and don't have enough money to eat, the sparkle of the street fades away and you end up feeling hopeless.
They say the girls are somethin' else On Broadway (on Broadway)
It is said that the girls on Broadway are altogether different from anywhere else in the world.
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues (on Broadway)
Yet, observing these girls leaves the singer feeling melancholic.
How ya gonna make some time When all you got is one thin dime And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes (on Broadway)
If someone only has one thin dime to their name, it would be impossible for them to treat themselves to anything on Broadway.
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway (on Broadway) I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say (on Broadway)
People predict that the singer won't survive very long on Broadway and will end up going back home on a Greyhound bus.
But they're wrong, I know they are I can play this here guitar And I won't quit till I'm a star On Broadway (on Broadway)
However, he firmly believes he can succeed on Broadway because of the musical talent he possesses, and he's going to keep going until he becomes a star.
I'm gonna make it, yeah (on Broadway) I'll be a big, big man (on Broadway) I'll have my name in lights (on Broadway) Everybody gonna know me (on Broadway) All up and down Broadway (on Broadway) All up and down Broadway (on Broadway) All up and down Broadway
He plans to become a famous musician in his own right, with his name up in lights on Broadway, and for everybody to recognize him as he roams up and down the famous street.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind