Cheatham then signed for MCA Records as a solo singer. He worked with Al Hudson of the band One Way on his first album, The Boss. His first chart success came in 1983 with "Get Down Saturday Night", co-written by Cheatham and One Way's Kevin McCord, which reached no.37 on the Billboard R&B chart, and also reached no.38 on the UK singles chart. The album, Saturday Night, produced by Al Perkins, was released the same year. In 1986, he moved to the Critique label, and had further success in the US with the singles "S.O.S." (R&B chart no.35), and "Celebrate (Our Love)". Other Cheatham singles included "Mama Said," "Put a Little Love in Your Heart," "Things to Make U Happy," and "Wish on a Star." After moving to the New York-based Warlock label, he recorded "Turn Out the Lights" and "Mindbuster" with Jocelyn Brown. He spent much of the 1990s working as a backing singer with artists including Leo Sayer, and released his final album, Stand for Love, in 2002.
He returned to the charts in 2003, when he was featured in Room 5's UK #1 single, "Make Luv", which sampled "Get Down Saturday Night", though Cheatham re-recorded his vocal parts for later releases. The track was featured on a commercial for Lynx deodorant on British TV. Its success in the UK led Cheatham to relocate to Surrey, England, and he recorded in London for the Native Soul record label.
Elements of "Get Down Saturday Night" were also used in Michael Gray's 2004 hit, "The Weekend", and the track was sampled for Daft Punk's song "Voyager." It also featured in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
Cheatham died on November 29, 2013, at the age of 65, following a heart attack in his sleep.
On Broadway
Oliver Cheatham 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
Oliver Cheatham's song "On Broadway" captures the contrasting realities of the glamorous facade of Broadway and the harsher truth beneath the surface. The lyrics suggest that while there may be neon lights and a sense of magic in the air, the experience is not necessarily the same for everyone. Walking down Broadway without enough to eat, the glitter and allure quickly fade away, leaving one feeling lost and insignificant.
The song also touches upon the perception of the women that inhabit Broadway. While they may be seen as treating people well, the singer feels a sense of melancholy and loneliness when looking at them. The lack of resources becomes a barrier for any attempt at establishing a connection or making time with these women. Even the value of a mere dime is highlighted, emphasizing the dire circumstances that can arise on Broadway.
Despite the struggles and the doubts projected onto the singer, they refuse to give up. The belief in their own talent and determination is unwavering. They reject the notion that they won't last long on Broadway and express their commitment to proving others wrong. It is through their ability to play the guitar that they hold onto hope and strive to become a star.
Overall, "On Broadway" offers a sobering perspective on the contrast between the dreamy allure of Broadway and the harsh realities that many face within its realm. It explores themes of economic disparity, loneliness, and the strength of individual perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
People claim that the illuminated signs are vibrant and captivating
On Broadway
Specifically referring to the famous street in New York City known for its theaters and entertainment
They say there's always magic in the air
There is a prevailing belief that a sense of enchantment and excitement is present
But when you're walkin' down that street
However, when you stroll along that particular avenue
And you ain't have enough to eat
And if you are struggling with hunger and scarcity
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
The glamorous facade quickly fades away, leaving one feeling insignificant and lost
They say the women treat you fine
There is a belief that the women there will treat you well
On Broadway
Referring again to the street known for its entertainment industry
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
However, observing them only brings about feelings of sadness and melancholy
How ya gonna make some time
How can you find the opportunity
When all you got is one thin dime
When all you possess is a single, meager coin
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
And that single coin is not even enough to polish your shoes
They say that I won't last too long
People assert that my success in this field will be short-lived
On Broadway
Once again referring to the renowned street of theaters and entertainment
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say
They all suggest that I will inevitably return home by taking a Greyhound bus
But they get wrong, I know they are
However, they are mistaken, and I am aware of it
'Cause I can play this here guitar
Because I have the skill to play this guitar
I won't quit till I'm a star
I will not give up until I achieve fame and success
On Broadway
Once again, emphasizing the desire to attain recognition and accomplishments in the entertainment industry
On Broadway
Repeating the longing for achievement on the renowned street
On Broadway
Continuing to express the aspiration for success in the theater district
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