Standing on the Corner
Les Elgart and His Orchestra Lyrics
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Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Brother you don't know a nicer occupation
Matter of fact, neither do I
Than standing on a corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
I'm the cat that got the cream
Haven't got a girl but I can wish
So I'll take me down to Main street
And that's where I select my imaginary dish
Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Standing on a corner giving all the girls the eye
Brother if you've got a rich imagination
Give it a whirl, give it a try
Try standing on a corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
Brother you can't go to jail for what you're thinking
Or for that woo look in your eye
Standing on the corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
The lyrics to Les Elgart and His Orchestra's song "Standing On The Corner" capture the essence of a leisurely afternoon spent on a street corner, watching the world go by. The singer of the song seems to relish this laid-back activity, claiming that there is no nicer occupation in the world. As he stands there, he watches all the girls go by, and revels in the fact that he can indulge in his fantasies without fear of retribution. He doesn't have a girlfriend, but he can dream, and as he surveys the passing parade of women, he imagines himself selecting his perfect "dish" from the crowd.
This song celebrates the simple pleasures of life and the freedom to enjoy them without judgment. The singer's fascination with the passing girls seems innocent enough, and he encourages others to join him in his reverie by urging them to give their imagination a whirl. While some may find the song's premise a bit outdated, it still captures a certain carefree spirit and exuberance that is contagious. Ultimately, the song reminds us that sometimes the most fulfilling activities are also the most basic, and it's good to take a break from the distractions of modern life and just watch the world go by for a while.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Observing women walking by while standing at a street corner
Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
The same as above, repeated for emphasis
Brother you don't know a nicer occupation
There's no better pastime than what we're doing now
Matter of fact, neither do I
I agree with what was just said
Than standing on a corner watching all the girls
It's more enjoyable than anything else we could be doing
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
Repeating the main activity of observing women as they walk past
I'm the cat that got the cream
I feel satisfied and content
Haven't got a girl but I can dream
I don't have a girlfriend, but I can imagine having one
Haven't got a girl but I can wish
The same as above, using a slightly different word
So I'll take me down to Main street
I'm going to walk to the central part of town
And that's where I select my imaginary dish
I'll fantasize about choosing a partner from the women I see there
Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Repeating the main activity of observing women while standing on a street corner
Standing on a corner giving all the girls the eye
Looking at women with a flirtatious or suggestive expression
Brother if you've got a rich imagination
If you can dream or fantasize vividly
Give it a whirl, give it a try
You should try doing what we're doing
Try standing on a corner watching all the girls
Repeating the suggestion to observe women on a street corner
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
Repeating the main activity of observing women as they walk past
Brother you can't go to jail for what you're thinking
You won't get in trouble for your thoughts, even if they're inappropriate
Or for that woo look in your eye
Not even if your expression suggests attraction or interest in someone
Standing on the corner watching all the girls
Repeating the main activity of observing women while standing on a street corner
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
Repeating the main activity of observing women as they walk past
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: COUNT BASIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind