On Broadway
George Benson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say there's always magic in the air
But when you're walkin' down the street
And you ain't had enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
They say the women treat you fine on Broadway
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
When all you got is one thin dime
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway
I'll catch a grey hound bus for home they all say
But they're dead wrong I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway
George Benson's song "On Broadway" portrays the everyday struggles of those who dream of finding success in the big city, specifically on the "Great White Way" of Broadway. The lyrics start with the typical characterization of Broadway as a glitzy spectacle, but it quickly transitions into the harsh realities of life for those who are trying to make it in the city. The neon lights and the magic in the air are a facade that quickly disappears when the glitter rubs off and the hunger sets in. The women may treat you fine, but for those with barely any money in their pockets, it is a reminder that they cannot even afford to shine their shoes. The feeling of being nowhere is a common one for those struggling to catch a break.
The song's theme is universal as it invokes the experience of chasing a dream in a brutal and unforgiving world. The central metaphor of the song is the idea of Broadway itself– a place that is known for its glamour and success, yet contains within it the flip side of this coin: despair, hopelessness, poverty, and failure. However, the song ends on a positive note, as Benson stresses that he intends to emerge victorious from his struggle. He is determined to become a star on Broadway, and he won't give up until he achieves his dreams.
Overall, "On Broadway" is a powerful song that connects with people who have experienced the feeling of being lost and hopeless while pursuing their dreams. It acknowledges the challenges that come with trying to make it big, yet it also espouses the idea that perseverance and determination are the keys to success.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway
Broadway is a place of glamour and extravagance where everything seems bright and lively.
They say there's always magic in the air
People believe that Broadway is filled with ultimate enchantment and excitement that never fades.
But when you're walkin' down the street
And you ain't had enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
Despite the assumed grandeur of Broadway, the reality paints a different picture, especially when you're struggling to meet your basic needs, the illusion of glitter fades to show the harsh reality.
They say the women treat you fine on Broadway
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
'cause how ya gonna make some time
When all you got is one thin dime
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
Although Broadway is known for attracting beautiful women, it's worthless if you don't have enough money to make any moves.
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway
I'll catch a grey hound bus for home they all say
But they're dead wrong I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway
People say that he won't make it among the talented musicians on Broadway and will return home on a Greyhound bus. However, he has faith in his guitar skills and is determined to keep playing until he achieves the ultimate goal of becoming a Broadway superstar.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tiago Rodrigues
Lyrics
They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway
They say there's always magic in the air
But when you're walkin' down the street
And you ain't had enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
They say the women treat you fine on Broadway
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
'cause how ya gonna make some time
When all you got is one thin dime
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway
I'll catch a grey hound bus for home they all say
But they're dead wrong I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway
Songwriters: Barry Mann / Cynthia Weil / Jerry Leiber / Mike Stoller
PS: You're welcome!
Ember Ash
Legendary Pittsburgh native Mr. George Benson y'all. Anyone still listening in 2020/21/22/23? ✌️
Steven E
2021?
Marta
@Steven E Me!
Nicholas Little
Yeah 2021
brellfan
2021👍
dbqrx3
2021
FireballPip
My stepdad, Robert Benson is George’s cousin. He’s 87 years old and still goes ‘boot scootin’ and always gets surrounded by a bunch of ladies on the dance floor joining him. He’s a trip. 😆
Daniel Linton
that's incredible god bless
Lfg
Way too underrated. 🔥
Bernard George
Do u think it's possible I can meet him one day!!??🤩🤩😀😀😁😁