On Broadway
Scott Jimmy 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 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
On Broadway
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

Overall Meaning

Scott Jimmy's "On Broadway" is a song that captures the ups and downs of chasing your dreams on the glittery streets of Broadway. The lyrics start on an optimistic note, as the singer acknowledges the magic of the neon lights and the promise of success that seems to permeate the air. However, as the song progresses, we see the darker side of the street through the eyes of someone who doesn't have the means to enjoy the glitz and glamour of the scene. The singer's lack of money makes it impossible to enjoy the company of the women or make time for himself, leaving him feeling alone and isolated on this street that promised so much.


Despite the odds against him, the singer still holds onto his dream and his guitar. He refuses to believe those who say he won't make it and is determined to become a star on Broadway. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the reality of pursuing one's dreams – in the face of rejection and obstacles, it's often easy to lose sight of why you started in the first place. However, it's the ones who persevere through the struggle who have the best chance of making it big.


Line by Line Meaning

They say the neon lights are bright
People claim that the bright neon lights on Broadway dazzle and shine.


On Broadway
A reference to the famous theater district in New York City.


They say there's always magic in the air
People believe that there's an enchanting aura that surrounds Broadway streets.


But when you're walkin' down that street
However, when you stroll down Broadway, this magic is not apparent.


And you ain't have enough to eat
You're struggling to acquire basic necessities such as food.


The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
The illusion of magic and glamour fades because of your destitute circumstance, and you feel stuck in life.


They say the women treat you fine
According to popular belief, the female attention in this area is of high quality.


But lookin' at them just gives me the blues
Despite that, the very sight of women exacerbates your sadness and disappointments.


How ya gonna make some time
How do you plan to make a living or find free time to enjoy what the streets have to offer?


When all you got is one thin dime
Especially when you're nearly penniless.


And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes
A vivid image that emphasizes your severe poverty as a dime can't even buy shoe polish.


They say that I won't last too long
People assume that you won't make it or survive long in this district.


I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say
Everyone believes that you'll flee back to where you came from soon enough.


But they get wrong, I know they are
Nevertheless, you know that such people are incorrect.


'Cause I can play this here guitar
Because your greatest skill lies in playing the guitar, providing a glimmer of hope for your success on Broadway.


I won't quit till I'm a star
You're determined to succeed despite the struggles and obstacles.


On Broadway
A repeated reference to the illustrious street in New York City that is known for its entertainment.


On Broadway
Reiterated once again, signifying your unwavering ambition to achieve fame in this area.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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