On Broadway
Nino Tempo w/Eddie Cano Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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" by Nino Tempo w/Eddie Cano is a classic tune that explores the reality of life on Broadway. The song's lyrics contrast the bright lights and magic of Broadway with the harsh realities of life for those who live on its streets. The lyrics suggest that while Broadway is a place of glamour and glitz, for those who cannot afford to enjoy its luxuries, it is simply another reminder of the struggle to survive.
The song's chorus keeps repeating the phrase "On Broadway," emphasizing the contrast between the dreamy image of Broadway and the stark reality. The first verse highlights the power and allure of the neon lights, which are always shining bright, seeming to offer endless opportunities to those who seek them. Still, the second verse features a depiction of how heartbreaking it is to walk down the same street when you have nothing to eat. The juxtaposition of these two sentiments emphasizes the duality of Broadway.
The lyrics' final verse feel like a direct challenge to the notion that the Broadway dream is out of reach for some. The singer says that he will not give up, and he will not go home. Instead, he will continue to play his guitar until he becomes a star on Broadway. The song's message transcends Broadway itself, urging listeners to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
It is said that the electric lights on Broadway shine so bright
On Broadway
Referring to the street of Broadway
They say there's always magic in the air
It is believed that you can always feel a sense of enchantment while on Broadway
But when you're walkin' down that street And you ain't have enough to eat
However, when you stroll down Broadway with no food to eat,
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
all the glitz and glamour fades and you are left with nothing
They say the women treat you fine
It is said that the ladies on Broadway treat you well
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
But only seeing them makes me feel blue
How ya gonna make some time
How are you going to spend your time
When all you got is one thin dime
If you only have ten cents
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
That ten cents is not even enough to polish your shoes
They say that I won't last too long
People believe that my time on Broadway will be short-lived
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say
They all predict that I will have to return home on a Greyhound bus
But they get wrong, I know they are
But they are incorrect, and I know it
'Cause I can play this here guitar
Because I have the ability to play this guitar
I won't quit till I'm a star
I will not give up until I become famous
On Broadway
On Broadway
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