Chicago
Garland Judy Lyrics


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I got the surprise, the surprise of my life
I had to stop and stare
I saw a man dancing with his own wife
And you will never guess where

Where, where, where, yeah, yeah that side
Chicago, Chicago
That toddlin' town, the toddlin' town
Chicago, Chicago
I'll show you around, I love it
Bet your bottom dollar you lose the blues
In Chicago, Chicago
The town that Billy Sunday could not shut down

On State Street, that great street
I just want to stay, I just want to stay
They do things they don't do on Broadway, say
They have the time, the time of their life
I saw a man who danced with his wife
In Chicago, Chicago

Chicago, Chica-are-are-are-are-ago
Free and easy town, brassy, breezy town
Chicago, Chica-are-are-go
Let me cool my heels ri-ight down at Marshall Field
Come and walk with me along the lake
To the drake Hollar and Hoot, all through the loop
Shout how-now to Mrs. O'Leary's cow
No she, she, life is peachy

Chicago, we'll meat at the pump room, Ambassador East
To say the least, on shish kabab
And breast of squad we will and get fleeced
Don't tell me sin is rampant and rife
Think of that man who danced with his wife

In Chicago, Chicago




I'm in this city
What a wonderful windy, time

Overall Meaning

The song "Chicago" by Garland Judy is an ode to the bustling city that is Chicago, and begins with the singer expressing her surprise at what she's seeing. She reveals that she saw a man dancing with his own wife and expresses her fascination with this, noting that the location is something unexpected. The chorus then takes over, extolling the virtues of Chicago as a city - a "toddlin' town" that's full of excitement and fun. The singer promises to show the listener around the city and tells them that they'll never be blue in Chicago. The chorus also references Billy Sunday, an evangelist who failed to "shut down" the city, implying that Chicago is a place where people come to let loose.


The singer continues to describe the many wonders of Chicago, mentioning State Street as a particularly great place where people do things they don't even do on Broadway. In the second half of the song, she invites the listener to walk along the lake with her and visit iconic locations like the Drake Hotel and Mrs. O'Leary’s cow. She concludes the song by noting that Chicago is a "wonderful windy, time."


Line by Line Meaning

I got the surprise, the surprise of my life
I was caught off guard by something unexpected


I had to stop and stare
It was so surprising that I couldn't do anything else but stare


I saw a man dancing with his own wife
I witnessed a couple enjoying themselves together


And you will never guess where
It was in a location that you wouldn't expect


Chicago, Chicago
The city of Chicago


That toddlin' town, the toddlin' town
A lively and vibrant city


I'll show you around, I love it
I am happy to guide you through this place I adore


Bet your bottom dollar you lose the blues
You will feel happy and carefree here


In Chicago, Chicago
In the city of Chicago


The town that Billy Sunday could not shut down
This city's vibrancy and joy cannot be suppressed


On State Street, that great street
State Street, a famous road in Chicago


I just want to stay, I just want to stay
I never want to leave this place


They do things they don't do on Broadway, say
The experiences you can have here are unique and different from anywhere else


They have the time, the time of their life
People here are having the best of times


I saw a man who danced with his wife
I witnessed a couple happily enjoying each other's company


In Chicago, Chicago
In the city of Chicago


Chicago, Chica-are-are-are-are-ago
A fun and quirky way to refer to Chicago


Free and easy town, brassy, breezy town
A city with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere


Let me cool my heels ri-ight down at Marshall Field
I would like to take some time to relax at this famous department store


Come and walk with me along the lake
Let's take a stroll along the waterfront


To the drake Hollar and Hoot, all through the loop
Exploring the lively areas of the city


Shout how-now to Mrs. O'Leary's cow
Referencing a famous event in the city's history


No she, she, life is peachy
Everything is going well and life is good


Chicago, we'll meat at the pump room, Ambassador East
We will meet at a historic restaurant and hotel


To say the least, on shish kabab
We will have a delicious meal, among other things


And breast of squad we will and get fleeced
We will indulge in some extravagance and splurge a bit


Don't tell me sin is rampant and rife
I don't want to hear about the negative aspects of life here


Think of that man who danced with his wife
Remember the joy and happiness that can be found in this city


In Chicago, Chicago
In the city of Chicago


I'm in this city
I am here in this wonderful place


What a wonderful windy, time
What a fantastic and exhilarating experience




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@balto4

Not only did Judy Garland have the best voice,she really devoured the songs as well and became the song

@SevasCisum93

Truly the worlds greatest entertainer

@royedwards1648

Always the best

@oucomstudentaffairs1066

The incomparable Judy Garland!

@luftloft

Love the way she whips the mic cord - what a pro!

@jacobprater3880

Still one of the best damn female performers ever!!!!

@cristig1437

This is one of her best performances ... ever❤❤❤

@STI2000

She had the most electrifying voice, it’s a shame that she had so many demons to deal with.

@mariadelpilarrosas4280

Maravillosa

@tonywaldon7801

The only somebody who could sing "Chicago" she owns it

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