The group remained popular throughout the 50s and early 60s, releasing a wide array of successful albums, movie and television appearances and performing countless sold-out concerts. The band eventually lost mainstream attention with the emergence of the British pop bands of the 1960s, even though they managed to stay together even after the retirement of final original member Bob Flanigan in 1992.
New lineups of the Four Freshmen have continued the legendary vocal tradition of the original band, while adding new touches. In 2000 the group won Down Beat magazine's reader's poll award for Vocal Group of the Year, proving the quartet's prominence in the jazz world today.
Standing on the Corner
Four Freshmen Lyrics
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Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Brother you don't know a nicer occupation
Matter of fact, neither do I
Than standing on a corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
I'm the cat that got the cream
Haven't got a girl but I can wish
So I'll take me down to Main street
And that's where I select my imaginary dish
Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Standing on a corner giving all the girls the eye
Brother if you've got a rich imagination
Give it a whirl, give it a try
Try standing on a corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
Brother you can't go to jail for what you're thinking
Or for that woo look in your eye
Standing on the corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
In the song "Standing On The Corner" by Four Freshmen, the lyrics depict a scene of a man standing on a street corner, seemingly enjoying the simple pleasure of watching all the girls pass by. The repetition of the line "standing on a corner watching all the girls go by" emphasizes the singer's leisurely activity and his fascination with observing the women around him. The lyrics suggest that this act of people-watching is a pleasant and enjoyable pastime, alluding to the idea that it is a harmless and innocent way to spend time.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of daydreaming and fantasizing about romantic pursuits. The lines "I'm the cat that got the cream, haven't got a girl but I can dream" convey the singer's contentment with his own imagination, even in the absence of a real romantic partner. The mention of selecting an "imaginary dish" on Main Street further emphasizes the idea of indulging in fantasies and creating romantic scenarios in one's mind.
The song also alludes to the joy of using one's imagination and creativity when it comes to admiration and attraction. The lyrics invite the listener to embrace their rich imagination and experience the pleasure of fantasizing about the people they find appealing. The encouragement to "give it a whirl, give it a try" suggests that there is no harm in allowing one's mind to wander in the realm of daydreams and romantic thoughts, especially when observing the beauty of the world around them.
Finally, the lyrics touch upon the idea of freedom of thought and expression. The line "Brother you can't go to jail for what you're thinking" implies that enjoying the sight of others and having fanciful thoughts about them is a harmless and natural aspect of human behavior. The song celebrates the simple joys of observing the world, admiring beauty, and engaging in innocent daydreams, ultimately painting a picture of a carefree and light-hearted moment captured in time on a street corner.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Observing the passing of time and the beauty of the various women around you
Brother you don't know a nicer occupation
There is no better way to spend your time than enjoying the sight of women passing by
Matter of fact, neither do I
In reality, nothing compares to the joy of watching the girls go by
Than standing on a corner watching all the girls
Being present and appreciative of the beauty of women in your surroundings
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
Taking pleasure in observing the various women as they move about
I'm the cat that got the cream
Feeling content and satisfied with the situation, despite not having a partner
Haven't got a girl but I can dream
Dreaming of having a romantic partner despite being alone at the moment
Haven't got a girl but I can wish
Having hopes and dreams for the future, including finding love
So I'll take me down to Main street
Going out into the world in search of love and companionship
And that's where I select my imaginary dish
Choosing to visualize and imagine a romantic partner while surrounded by others
Standing on a corner giving all the girls the eye
Appreciating and admiring the beauty of the women you see
Brother if you've got a rich imagination
Encouraging others to use their creativity and imagination to find joy in simple pleasures
Give it a whirl, give it a try
Experimenting and being open to new experiences in life
Brother you can't go to jail for what you're thinking
Assuring that having harmless thoughts or fantasies about romance is not a punishable offense
Or for that woo look in your eye
Being playful and flirty in your demeanor without fear of consequences
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WILLIAM 'COUNT' BASIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gregstegeman7102
How to take a completely innocuous novelty tune into something hip. Dick Reynolds wrote both the band and vocal charts. The Freshmen at their swinging-est!