On Broadway
The Drifters° Lyrics
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On Broadway (on Broadway)
They say there's always magic in the air (on Broadway)
But when you're walkin' down that street
And you ain't got enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
They say the girls are somethin' else
On Broadway (on Broadway)
How ya gonna make some time
When all you got is one thin dime
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes (on Broadway)
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway (on Broadway)
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say (on Broadway)
But they're wrong, I know they are
I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star
On Broadway (on Broadway)
But they're wrong, I know they are
I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway (on Broadway)
On Broadway (on Broadway)
I'm gonna make it, yeah (on Broadway)
I'll be a big, big man (on Broadway)
I'll have my name in lights (on Broadway)
Everybody gonna know me (on Broadway)
All up and down Broadway (on Broadway)
All up and down Broadway (on Broadway)
All up and down Broadway
The Drifters' classic song "On Broadway" depicts the bright lights and glamour of New York City's famous street, Broadway. The song suggests that the streets are filled with magic and endless possibility, but the singer finds himself struggling to make ends meet. He speaks about the girls on Broadway, who are said to be something else, but looking at them gives him the blues - perhaps indicating a feeling of longing or unrequited desire. The singer's desire to make it big on Broadway is clear, as he claims that he won't quit until he's a star, and his name is up in lights for all to see.
Despite the financial struggles that come with life on Broadway, the singer is determined to succeed by using his guitar as his ticket to fame. His belief that he won't quit until he achieves stardom suggests that he has the passion and drive to make it in the business. Ultimately, the message of the song is one of perseverance and hard work, indicating that, even in the face of adversity, one can chase their dreams and achieve great things.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
On Broadway (on Broadway)
People claim that the illuminating lights are very bright on the Broadway street.
They say there's always magic in the air (on Broadway)
Rumor has it that the Broadway ambiance is always filled with enchantment.
But when you're walkin' down that street
And you ain't got enough to eat
The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere
However, if you walk on the road and experience financial hardships, the glamour fades away, and the lively feel dies out, leaving you with nothing.
They say the girls are somethin' else
On Broadway (on Broadway)
Many people say that the girls in Broadway are unique and exceptional.
But lookin' at them just gives me the blues (on Broadway)
However, observing them makes me feel sad and unhappy.
How ya gonna make some time
When all you got is one thin dime
And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes (on Broadway)
When you have only ten cents, it's challenging to manage time and ensure that your finicky shoes are sparkling clean.
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway (on Broadway)
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say (on Broadway)
People think that I will not sustain myself for long in Broadway and will need to take a Greyhound bus back home.
But they're wrong, I know they are
I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star
On Broadway (on Broadway)
They are mistaken, and I am confident about it because I can play the guitar very well, and I won't give up until I become a superstar on Broadway.
I'm gonna make it, yeah (on Broadway)
I'll be a big, big man (on Broadway)
I'll have my name in lights (on Broadway)
I will make my presence known on Broadway, and my name will be sparkling with the bright lights of the street.
Everybody gonna know me (on Broadway)
All up and down Broadway (on Broadway)
All up and down Broadway (on Broadway)
People will recognize me all over Broadway street, and they will take note of my talents and success.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind