Chicago
Frank Sinatra Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 really Sunday couldn't shut down
They do things they don't do on Broadway
They have a time, the time of their life
I saw a man who danced with his wife
In Chicago, Chicago my hometown
Chicago, Chicago
That toddlin' town
Chicago, Chicago
I will show you around
I love it
Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues
I Chicago, Chicago
The town that really 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 who danced with his wife
I Chicago, Chicago, Chicago that's my hometown!
The song "Chicago" is an ode to the city of Chicago and all it has to offer. The lyrics describe the city as a "toddlintown," meaning a city that is full of excitement and energy. The singer in the song is proud of his city and offers to show the listener around. The third line of the song repeats the word "Chicago," emphasizing the importance of this city to the singer.
The singer then goes on to talk about how Chicago can lift one's spirits and make them forget their woes. The line "bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues" implies that Chicago is a city where everyone can have a good time and forget their worries. The singer then mentions State Street, which is a famous street in Chicago known for its lively atmosphere. He states that the people on State Street do things that they don't do on Broadway, which is a reference to New York City's famous theater district. Finally, the singer recalls seeing a man dancing with his wife, which illustrates the joy and happiness that can be found in Chicago. Overall, the song "Chicago" serves as a musical celebration of the vibrant city.
Line by Line Meaning
Chicago, Chicago
This is a song about the city of Chicago, and the phrase is repeated for emphasis.
That toddlin' town
Chicago is often referred to as a "toddlintown," suggesting that it's always in motion and full of life.
Chicago, Chicago
Repeats again, emphasizing how much the singers love the city.
I'll show you around
The singers are offering to give a personal tour of the city to anyone listening.
I love it
They love Chicago and all that it has to offer.
Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues
The singers are promising that anyone who visits Chicago will forget their problems and feel happy.
In Chicago, Chicago
Repeating the city's name to reinforce the theme of the song.
The town that really Sunday couldn't shut down
Chicago has always been known for its nightlife and entertainment, even on traditionally quiet days like Sundays.
On State Street that great street I just want to say
State Street is a famous location in Chicago known for its shops and restaurants.
They do things they don't do on Broadway
Chicago's entertainment scene is unique and distinctive, not like anything found on Broadway in New York City.
They have a time, the time of their life
Visitors to Chicago are promised a great time and unforgettable memories.
I saw a man who danced with his wife
The singers observed happy, carefree people enjoying themselves in Chicago.
In Chicago, Chicago my hometown
One of the singers claims Chicago as their hometown and takes pride in it.
Chicago, Chicago
The chorus repeats yet again, highlighting the main subject of the song.
That toddlin' town
Repeating the opening line again to reinforce the feeling of Chicago being an always-bustling and exciting city.
Chicago, Chicago
One more repetition drives home the love the singers have for Chicago.
I will show you around
The singers are once again inviting the listener to come to Chicago and see its wonders for themselves.
I love it
The singers' love for Chicago is repeated once more, leaving a positive impression of the city in the listener's mind.
Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues
This promise is made one last time, driving home the idea that Chicago is a great place to forget your troubles and have fun.
I Chicago, Chicago
The final repetition of the city's name again emphasizes the importance of Chicago to the singers.
The town that really Sunday couldn't shut down
The song ends by reiterating Chicago's hard-to-match entertainment scene, even on typically quiet Sundays.
On State Street, they have a time the time of their life
A slight variation of an earlier refrain highlights the popularity of State Street and the fun people have there.
I saw a man who danced with his wife
The final line of the song ties back to an earlier verse about people experiencing happiness and joy in Chicago.
Chicago, Chicago, Chicago that's my hometown!
The ultimate expression of pride and love from one of the singers for their hometown, Chicago.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Fred Fisher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@laracroft3718
You can’t fake real friendship. They loved each other. True class 🥰
@u.s.m.c.fewproudthemarines2987
So true friend
@vasilii6417
Yep. Beautiful!
@stuntmanstu1
I didn’t know Johnny Carson could sing. Lol
@mariethompson4237
Pure love.
@byronlippe
P
@TheSheer96
There was more talent in these 6 minutes than in the last 30 years on radio...
@mikkelbreiler8916
Sad but true.
@philliptarver8197
And any other medium.
@trishlangford5773
So, so right. 😊😊😊😊😊