Chicago
Frank Sinatra/Nelson & Orchestra Riddle Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town
Chicago, Chicago, I will show you around
I love it
Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues
In Chicago, Chicago
The town that Billy Sunday couldn't shut down
On State Street that great street I just want to say
They do things they don't do on Broadway
They have a time, the time of their life
I saw a man, he danced with his wife
In Chicago, Chicago my hometown
Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town
Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around
I love it
Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues
In Chicago, Chicago
The town that Billy Sunday couldn't shut down
On State Street that great street I just want to say
They do things that they don't do on Broadway
They have the time the time of their life
I saw a man and he danced with his wife
In Chicago




Chicago
Chicago, that's my hometown

Overall Meaning

The song "Chicago," originally performed by Frank Sinatra, is an upbeat tribute to the city of Chicago. The song's opening line, "Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town," sets the tone for the entire piece, presenting the city as a lively, vivacious place filled with excitement and possibility. The song's narrator promises to "show you around" and extols the virtues of this bustling metropolis.


The second verse of the song references a famous American evangelist of the early 20th century named Billy Sunday, who was known for his impassioned sermons and attempts to shut down Chicago's saloons and other venues of ill repute. Despite his best efforts, however, the song's narrator declares that "Billy Sunday couldn't shut down" the town.


The final verse of the song describes a man dancing with his wife, capturing the sense of joy and vitality that characterizes this vibrant city. Overall, "Chicago" celebrates the spirit of a city that cannot be subdued, emphasizing its energy, its diversity, and its unyielding nature.


Line by Line Meaning

Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town
This is about the city of Chicago, which is often referred to as a lively and exciting place


Chicago, Chicago, I will show you around
The singer is proud of their city and is willing to guide anyone eager to explore it


I love it
The singer has a deep affection for the city of Chicago and all it has to offer


Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues
Visitors to Chicago are guaranteed to have a good time and forget their troubles


In Chicago, Chicago
This line simply restates the title of the song


The town that Billy Sunday couldn't shut down
Billy Sunday was a preacher who tried to shut down Chicago's saloons during the Prohibition era, but was unsuccessful due to the city's defiance


On State Street that great street I just want to say
State Street is a famous Chicago street that the singer wants to draw attention to


They do things they don't do on Broadway
Chicago has a reputation for unique and daring entertainment you won't find in New York's theater district, Broadway


They have a time, the time of their life
People in Chicago have a great time while they're out and about


I saw a man, he danced with his wife
The artist witnesses couples enjoying each other's company and dancing together in Chicago


Chicago, Chicago my hometown
The singer proudly declares Chicago as their birthplace or longtime home


Chicago, that's my hometown
This line simply repeats the artist's sentiment about being from Chicago




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Fred Fisher

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions