Bishop's song "Separate Lives," from the movie White Nights, was nominated for an Academy Award in 1985, losing out to "Say You, Say Me" from the same film. Bishop wrote it about his breakup with actress Karen Allen, who also appeared in Animal House.
Patrick Bateman, the fictional anti-hero from Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho, is an avowed fan of Stephen Bishop.
Little Italy
Stephen Bishop Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody's calling my name
There on the sidewalk
And all the people turn their heads to see
Ah, mama
Am I holding on to the wings of a prayer
Waiting for Rosie
Tell me do ya think she cares
Ah, dancing in the streets
In little Italy
Ah, they're all dancing in the streets
In little Italy
I'm am an old woman
And you're old enough to live your own life
But stay out of the barrels
The boys are seeing you with the clowns
Ah, but Rosie
She's got rainbow around her shoulder
You better not lose her
Wild flowers make her heart sing
Ah, they're dancing in the streets
In little Italy
Ah, they are dancing in the streets
In little Italy
Do do do do do do do
Bah dah dah dah dah
Bah bah bah bah bah bah bah
Ah, they're all dancing in the streets
In little Italy
Ah, they're all dancing in the streets
In little Italy
The song "Little Italy" by Stephen Bishop was released in 1977 and is about a man who is walking in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City. The lyrics describe the sights and sounds of the area and the man's feelings regarding a woman named Rosie. The opening lines of the song state, "Can't you hear the parade, somebody's calling my name" which could indicate that the man feels a sense of community in Little Italy and that he is known and welcomed there. The song then goes on to describe the people turning their heads to see him and the joyous atmosphere of people dancing in the streets.
Throughout the song, the man mentions Rosie and questions if she cares about him. He also mentions an old woman warning him to stay away from the boys and to keep Rosie by his side. This could indicate that Rosie is a love interest who is in danger of being taken away by others in the area. The song ends with a repetition of the phrase "they're all dancing in the streets in Little Italy" which emphasizes the happiness and lively atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't you hear the parade
Can't you hear the excitement and joy in the air?
Somebody's calling my name
Someone is beckoning me to join in the festivities.
There on the sidewalk
The celebration is happening right there on the street.
And all the people turn their heads to see
Everyone is captivated by the merrymaking.
Ah, mama
An expression of wonder and delight.
Am I holding on to the wings of a prayer
Am I relying on luck and chance to bring me good fortune?
Waiting for Rosie
Anticipating the arrival of a beloved person named Rosie.
Tell me do ya think she cares
Wondering if Rosie truly loves and values me.
Ah, dancing in the streets
Expressing joy and elation about the lively celebration.
In little Italy
Referring to the location of the festivities.
Ah, they're all dancing in the streets
Repeating the excited observation that everyone is dancing joyfully.
I'm am an old woman
Acknowledging that the artist is past her prime.
And you're old enough to live your own life
Reminding someone that they are now mature and independent.
But stay out of the barrels
Urging the person to avoid unsavory or risky situations.
The boys are seeing you with the clowns
Warning the person that associating with foolish or immature people might damage their reputation.
Ah, but Rosie
A reverent mention of the beloved Rosie.
She's got rainbow around her shoulder
Suggesting that Rosie is divine or angelic in nature.
You better not lose her
Advising someone to hold onto and cherish a valuable person like Rosie.
Wild flowers make her heart sing
Noting that Rosie is an appreciator of nature's beauty and simplicity.
Do do do do do do do
A meaningless, upbeat vocalization often heard in music.
Bah dah dah dah dah
Another meaningless, upbeat vocalization often heard in music.
Bah bah bah bah bah bah bah
Yet another meaningless, upbeat vocalization often heard in music.
Ah, they're all dancing in the streets
Reiterating the sense of excitement and festivity.
In little Italy
Reinforcing the location of the celebration.
Ah, they're all dancing in the streets
Again expressing the joyful dancing happening all around.
In little Italy
Reiterating the location of the boisterous celebration.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Bishop
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Sara Del Valle Peralta
Hermoso tema y hoy Aspen Argentina me avisa que Stephen Bishop hoy 14/11/22 cumple 71 años por éste tema y tantos!!!!!! Gracias
gloria rodas
Gracias Señor! Amo esta musica, y sobre todo este tema.
Busque su nombre durante 40 años, y la escuche de casualidad en una sesion de Pilates y asi congui el nombre y el.autor!
Estoy todo el dia escuchandola, hasta que me acostumbre a tenerla conmigo! Gracias!
John Kenneway
Always brings that warm glow when heard on the radio and youngsters haven't got a clue what it is.
Superb.
Debbie Brett
One of the most musically interesting 'pop songs' I have ever heard. Wonderful.
Marcelo Spagnuolo
@Debbie Brett awesome
Debbie Brett
Thank you for replying to my comment. It's nice to know that you and I are on the same wave length!
Nostalgic Lady
Totally agree - it's so unique and just lovely.
Enriqueviey
Love this song i was in a bone marrow transplant and play this song for every day during 30 days.. a part of my life
Lee 276
Chaka's vocals are exquisite on this song. So glad it is on YouTube so more people - who don't already know - what a wonderful singer she is. Love Stephen Bishop too.