On Broadway
SMASH Cast Lyrics

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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 got enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere

Do do do do do do do do do do

They say the women treat you fine on Broadway (Karen: On Broadway)
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
'Cause how ya gonna make some time (Karen: Make some time)
When all you got is one thin dime (Karen: One thin dime)
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes

Do do do do do do do do do do

They say that I won't last too long on Broadway (Veronica: On Broadway)
I'll catch a greyhound bus for home they all say
But they're dead wrong I know they are (Karen: Know they are)
'Cause I can play this here guitar (Karen: Here guitar)
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway (Veronica: On Broadway)
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway (Veronica: On Broadway)
On Broadway!

On Broadway!

Oh, hey, yeah!

Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah!
Yeah!

On Broadway!

Overall Meaning

The SMASH Cast's song, "On Broadway," is a reflection on the glamor and grit of the famed Broadway district in New York City. The opening line, "They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway," establishes the perception and perception of the area as a magical and alluring place. However, the song quickly moves to address the reality experienced by those struggling to make it in the district. The line, "But when you're walkin' down the street/And you ain't got enough to eat/The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere," speaks to the harsh realities of poverty in a place flush with wealth and opportunity.

The second verse of "On Broadway" continues to juxtapose the perception and reality of the district by addressing the women on Broadway. Although they may treat those passing through nicely, the desperation of those living there is apparent in the line, "When all you got is one thin dime/And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes." The final verse of the song is a declaration of intent and ambition. The singer is determined to succeed on Broadway and won't quit until they're a star. The repetition of the final line, "On Broadway," emphasizes the singer's conviction and belief in their dream.

Line by Line Meaning

They say the neon lights are bright on broadway
Broadway is known for its bright and flashy neon lights which attract attention.

They say there's always magic in the air
There is a sense of excitement and wonder that surrounds being on Broadway.

But when you're walkin' down the street And you ain't got enough to eat The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
Despite the glamorous reputation of Broadway, poverty diminishes the experience and makes it feel unfulfilling.

They say that I won't last too long on Broadway (Veronica: On Broadway) I'll catch a greyhound bus for home they all say But they're dead wrong I know they are (Karen: Know they are) 'Cause I can play this here guitar (Karen: Here guitar) And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway (Veronica: On Broadway) And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway (Veronica: On Broadway)
Despite the naysayers, the artist is confident in their abilities to succeed on Broadway and will not give up until they become a star.

On Broadway!
The chorus expresses the excitement and determination of making it to Broadway and achieving fame and success.

Contributed by Christian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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