The Dorsey Brothers consisted of a studio group fronted by musicians Tommy … Read Full Bio ↴The Dorsey Brothers consisted of a studio group fronted by musicians Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. They started recording under their name in 1928 with a series of studio recordings for the OKeh label (they had come to New York in the mid-1920s and were among the most sought-after musicians). Always just a studio group, members (during the 1928-1934 period) included nearly all of the great white jazz musicians playing around New York.

They signed to Decca in 1934, basically formed more traditional regular band, and even started performing live until they had their famous falling out in September, 1935.

(See Tommy Dorsey and Jimmy Dorsey's individual listings for more details).

Lullaby Of Broadway
The Dorsey Brothers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Come on along and listen to, the lullaby of Broadway
The hip hooray and ballyhoo, the lullaby of Broadway
The rumble of a subway train, the rattle of the taxis
The daffydils who entertain, at Angelo's and Maxi's
When a Broadway baby says good night, it's early in the morning
Manhattan babies don't sleep tight until the dawn:

Good night, baby

Good night, milkman's on his way
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep tight, let's call it a day. Hey!

Come on along and listen to, the lullaby of Broadway
The hi-dee-hi and boop-a-doo, the lullaby of Broadway
The band begins to go to town, and everyone goes crazy
You rock-a-bye your baby round, 'til everything gets hazy
Hush-a-bye I'll buy you this and that, you hear a daddy saying
And baby goes home to her flat, to sleep all day:

Good night, baby
Good night, milkman's on his way
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep tight,

Let's call it a day
Listen to the lullaby of old Broadway

Overall Meaning

The Dorsey Brothers's song "Lullaby of Broadway" is a tribute to the bustling and energetic New York City nightlife. The lyrics encourage the listener to join in and experience the excitement of the city that never sleeps. The song opens with an invitation to "come on along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway," inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the sounds of the city. The song goes on to describe the cacophonous sounds of the city: the "rumble of a subway train" and the "rattle of the taxis." But in the midst of this chaos, there is also joy and beauty: "the daffodils who entertain at Angelo's and Maxi's."

One of the most interesting aspects of this song is the way it captures the energy of 1930s New York City. At that time, Broadway was the epicenter of American popular culture, and the city was alive with music, dancing, and theater. The song celebrates this cultural moment, inviting listeners to "rock-a-bye your baby round until everything gets hazy" and to embrace the excitement of the night.

Another interesting element of the song is the way it highlights the dichotomy between day and night in the city. While a "Broadway baby says good night" in the early hours of the morning, "Manhattan babies don't sleep tight until the dawn." The song suggests that the city is a place where people come alive at night, and where anything is possible after dark.

Line by Line Meaning

Come on along and listen to, the lullaby of Broadway
Join us and hear the soothing sounds of the bustling metropolis that is Broadway

The hip hooray and ballyhoo, the lullaby of Broadway
The lively and exciting atmosphere of Broadway is like a calming lullaby

The rumble of a subway train, the rattle of the taxis
The constant sounds of transportation fill the air on Broadway

The daffydils who entertain, at Angelo's and Maxi's
The talented performers at Angelo's and Maxi's provide a peaceful distraction from the noise

When a Broadway baby says good night, it's early in the morning
Broadway life is so lively that bedtime is often early morning for those who live there

Manhattan babies don't sleep tight until the dawn:
Even the youngest residents of Manhattan often stay awake until the sun comes up

Good night, baby
It's time to say goodnight

Good night, milkman's on his way
The milkman is coming soon, indicating that it's late at night

Sleep tight, baby
Sleep well and don't let the bustling city keep you up

Sleep tight, let's call it a day. Hey!
It's time to end the day and get some rest

The hi-dee-hi and boop-a-doo, the lullaby of Broadway
The fun and energetic sounds of Broadway can still be soothing and comforting

The band begins to go to town, and everyone goes crazy
The excitement builds as the band starts to play

You rock-a-bye your baby round, 'til everything gets hazy
The rocking motion of a lullaby can be comforting, even in the midst of an active environment

Hush-a-bye I'll buy you this and that, you hear a daddy saying
A father promises to provide for his child, even amidst the distractions of Broadway

And baby goes home to her flat, to sleep all day:
After a night of excitement on Broadway, it's time to go home and get some much-needed sleep

Listen to the lullaby of old Broadway
Even as time passes, the sounds of Broadway remain a calming and soothing presence

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY WARREN, AL DUBIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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