Lullaby of Broadway
The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra Lyrics

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LULLABY OF BROADWAY
Dorsey Brothers Orchestra

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 Orchestra’s song Lullaby of Broadway captures the essence of New York City’s iconic Broadway. The song invites the listener to “Come on along and listen to, the lullaby of Broadway,” a lullaby that is distinctly different from traditional lullabies. Instead of nature sounds, gentle melodies, and soothing vocalizations, the lullaby of Broadway is characterized by the “hip hooray and ballyhoo” of the city, such as “the rumble of a subway train, the rattle of the taxis,” and the street performers singing at Angelo’s and Maxi’s.

The lyrics suggest that Broadway never sleeps and that the night truly belongs to the city. When “a Broadway baby says good night, it's early in the morning,” and “Manhattan babies don't sleep tight until the dawn.” The mention of the milkman’s arrival reminds us that it was a time when milk was delivered to homes, and the milkman was a regular sight on the streets.

The song continues with the promise of a good night’s sleep for the baby, with the help of the lullaby of Broadway. The joyous sounds of the band bring everyone to their feet and “everyone goes crazy.” The song concludes with the comforting sound of the “hush-a-bye” that will “buy you this and that,” and baby goes home to her flat to “sleep all day.” The Lullaby of Broadway is a celebration of the lively and vibrant energy that can only be found in the heart of Manhattan.

Line by Line Meaning

Come on along and listen to, the lullaby of Broadway
Join us and experience the enchanting tune of Broadway.

The hip hooray and ballyhoo, the lullaby of Broadway
Broadway's cheerful and noisy atmosphere is a lullaby in its own way.

The rumble of a subway train, the rattle of the taxis
The sounds of subway trains and taxis contribute to the ambiance of Broadway.

The daffydils who entertain, at Angelo's and Maxi's
Flamboyant performers at Angelo's and Maxi's captivate the audience's attention.

When a Broadway baby says good night, it's early in the morning
Broadway nightlife lasts until the wee hours of the morning.

Manhattan babies don't sleep tight until the dawn:
New Yorkers party hard and don't go to bed until sunrise.

Good night, baby
It's time to say goodnight.

Good night, milkman's on his way
The milkman is delivering fresh milk for breakfast.

Sleep tight, baby
Sleep well and peacefully.

Sleep tight, let's call it a day. Hey!
It's late and we should call it a night. Bye!

The hi-dee-hi and boop-a-doo, the lullaby of Broadway
Broadway's lively and playful atmosphere is also a lullaby.

The band begins to go to town, and everyone goes crazy
The band starts playing loudly, and the crowd goes wild with excitement.

You rock-a-bye your baby round, 'til everything gets hazy
You sway and dance with your partner until you lose track of time in the hypnotic music.

Hush-a-bye I'll buy you this and that, you hear a daddy saying
A father whispers to his child promising to buy them toys and treats.

And baby goes home to her flat, to sleep all day:
The baby returns home to rest and sleep during the day after a long, exciting night on Broadway.

Listen to the lullaby of old Broadway
Listen carefully to the classic and timeless song of Broadway.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Warren, Al Dubin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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