On Broadway
Illinois Jacquet & Kenny Burrell Lyrics
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On Broadway
They say there's always magic in the air
But when you're walkin' down that street
And you ain't have enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
They say the women treat you fine
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
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 Greyhound bus for home they all say
But they get wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
I won't quit till I'm a star
On Broadway
On Broadway
On Broadway
The song “On Broadway” is a timeless classic that captures the essence of life on Broadway, the iconic stretch of street in Manhattan, New York, which is renowned for its theater, musicals, and plays. The lyrics describe the bright lights and the air of magic that surrounds Broadway, making it entertaining and exciting to visit. However, the song also acknowledges the harsh reality of life on the street. For instance, the lyrics paint a picture of someone walking down the street, hungry and struggling to survive. The line "The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere" encapsulates the reality that amidst the glamour, one can easily lose themselves and feel out of place.
The song also touches on the paradox of life on Broadway. The women on the street treat you well, but their attention doesn't solve the fundamental problem of poverty. The line, "How ya gonna make some time when all you got is one thin dime, and one thin dime won't even shine your shoes" highlights the struggle of trying to survive with limited resources. However, the song ends on a hopeful note. The artist affirms that despite the challenges, he can play his guitar, and he won't stop until he becomes a star on Broadway. This spirit reflects the essence of Broadway, where performers come to fulfill their dreams and make a name for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
It is said that the neon lights shine brightly and attract attention on Broadway.
On Broadway
Broadway is the street in New York City where many theaters and entertainment venues are located.
They say there's always magic in the air
There is a belief that Broadway is a place of enchantment and wonder.
But when you're walkin' down that street
However, when you are walking down that street...
And you ain't have enough to eat
...if you are hungry and have little to eat...
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
...the illusion of success and opportunity disappears and you feel like you have nothing.
They say the women treat you fine
People often say that women treat you well on Broadway.
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
However, looking at them just makes me sad and depressed.
How ya gonna make some time
How can you afford to spend time with these women...
When all you got is one thin dime
...when all you have is just enough money to make a phone call.
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
...and even that small amount of money will not help to improve your situation.
They say that I won't last too long
People have said that I will not be successful for very long on Broadway.
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say
They think I will have to give up and leave town, taking a bus back to my hometown.
But they get wrong, I know they are
But they are mistaken, I am determined to succeed.
'Cause I can play this here guitar
Because I have talent and can play the guitar well.
I won't quit till I'm a star
I refuse to give up until I have achieved success and become a star.
On Broadway
On Broadway
On Broadway
On Broadway
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind