The Four Lads were a Canadian singing group. They grew up together in Toron… Read Full Bio ↴The Four Lads were a Canadian singing group. They grew up together in Toronto, Ontario, and were members of St. Michael's Choir School, where they learned to sing. The founding members were Corrado "Connie" Codarini, bass; John Bernard "Bernie" Toorish (born 2 March 1931), lead; James F. "Jimmy" Arnold, (4 January 1932-15 June 2004) first tenor; and Frank Busseri, baritone and group manager. Codarini and Toorish had formed a group with two other St. Michael's students, Rudi Maugeri and John Perkins, who were later to become founding members of another group, The Crew-Cuts.

Standing On The Corner
The Four Lads Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Brother, you don't know a nicer occupation
Matter of fact, neither do I
Than standing on a corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by

I'm the cat that got the cream

Haven't got a girl but I can dream
Haven't got a girl but I can wish
So I'll take me down to main street
And that's where I select my imaginary dish

Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Standing on a corner giving all the girls the eye
Brother, if you've got a rich imagination
Give it a whirl, give it a try
Try standing on a corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by

Saturday and I'm so broke
Haven't got a girl and that's no joke
Still I'm living like a millionaire
When I take me down to main street
And I review the harem parading for me there

Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Standing on a corner underneath the springtime sky
Brother, you can't go to jail for what you're thinking
Or for that woo look in your eye

You're only standing on the corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by

Overall Meaning

The Four Lads's song "Standing on the Corner" is about the joy that one can experience while simply watching the world go by, specifically watching all of the girls walk down the street. The song is sung from the perspective of a man who recognizes that it's a nice occupation to stand on the corner and admire the women who pass by. He notes that he doesn't have a girlfriend but enjoys dreaming and wishing for one. He even refers to himself as the cat that got the cream, someone who is satisfied with the simple pleasure of watching the world.

In the second verse, the man still doesn't have a girl but notes that he can pretend to when he goes to main street to watch the women parade by. He encourages others to give it a try, implying that the simple pleasure of watching the world can bring happiness. The final verse has the man noting that he's broke but still feels rich when he goes to main street to see the women. He notes that watching the girls isn't a crime and encourages others to try it out for themselves.

Overall, the song is a celebration of the joy that can be found in simple pleasures, like people-watching, and the beauty to be found in the everyday world.

Line by Line Meaning

Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
I enjoy standing here, just watching all the pretty girls walk by.

Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
I really like standing here, just enjoying the view of all the attractive girls walking by.

Brother, you don't know a nicer occupation
I don't think there's a better way to spend my time than watching these girls from this corner.

Matter of fact, neither do I
In fact, I agree, I can't think of something I'd rather be doing.

Than standing on a corner watching all the girls
I really enjoy looking at these girls from my spot on the corner.

Watching all the girls, watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
I could do this all day - just stand on this corner and watch all the beautiful girls walk past me.

I'm the cat that got the cream
Even though I don't have a girlfriend, I feel pretty good and satisfied with my life right now.

Haven't got a girl but I can dream
Even though I don't have a girlfriend right now, I can still imagine what it would be like to have one.

Haven't got a girl but I can wish
I may be alone, but I can still hope and dream of finding the perfect girl someday.

So I'll take me down to main street
I'm going to head down to the busy part of town and see what this place has to offer.

And that's where I select my imaginary dish
I'll use my imagination to choose a girl to picture as my girlfriend for the time being.

Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
I'm back to my favorite spot, looking at all the beautiful girls walk past me.

Standing on a corner giving all the girls the eye
I'm checking out all the girls as they walk by me, trying to look casual.

Brother, if you've got a rich imagination
If you can imagine and visualize things well, this is the perfect place to use your imagination.

Give it a whirl, give it a try
Come stand with me, and try to picture yourself with one of these attractive girls walking by.

Try standing on a corner watching all the girls
You should give this a try, it's a great way to pass the time.

Watching all the girls, watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
Once again, I'm admiring all the pretty girls walking past me.

Saturday and I'm so broke
Even though I don't have much money, I'm still enjoying this beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Haven't got a girl and that's no joke
I'm still single, but I'm not letting that bring me down.

Still I'm living like a millionaire
Even though I don't have a lot of money, I'm still feeling good and happy with my life.

When I take me down to main street
I love coming down to this busy part of town and seeing all the people walking around.

And I review the harem parading for me there
As I watch all the people walking by on main street, I feel like I have a whole group of beautiful women parading just for me.

Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
I'm back to my favorite spot, enjoying the sight of all the attractive girls walking by.

Standing on a corner underneath the springtime sky
The weather is beautiful today, and I'm standing here under the blue sky, looking at all the girls.

Brother, you can't go to jail for what you're thinking
It's okay to think whatever you want when you're admiring the girls walking by.

Or for that woo look in your eye
Even if my eyes look a little intense, I'm not doing anything wrong just by standing here and observing.

You're only standing on the corner watching all the girls
I'm not doing anything wrong, I'm just enjoying the view of all the pretty girls walking by.

Watching all the girls, watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
I can't get enough of looking at all the beautiful girls walking past me, it's my favorite pastime.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Frank Loesser

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Band of Gold2:36

02Jezebel3:15

03Tennessee Waltz2:55

04Cry3:03

05Love Is A Many Splendored Thing2:57

06Tell Me You're Mine2:44

07P.S. I Love You2:38

08Crying in the Chapel3:04

09Hey There3:01

10Caribbean2:26

11Love Letters in the Sand2:19

12Suddenly There's a Valley3:01

13Hold My Hand2:46

14Standing On The Corner (from "The Music Man")2:39

PT2M39S

The Four Lads

15Singing the Blues2:27

16Fraulein2:43

1726 Miles (Santa Catalina)2:28

18Chanson D'amour (Song of Love)2:51

19Deck of Cards3:52

20Cinco Robles (Five Oaks)2:17

21Willie And The Hand Jive2:38

22The Great Pretender2:36

23Baby Talk2:25

24Secretly2:37

25Burning Bridges2:39

26Little Girl of Mine3:11

27At The Hop2:37

28Good Golly Miss Molly (Rerecorded)

29It's Just A Matter Of Time2:26

30Rock-A-Billy2:14

31Come Go with Me2:37

32The Green Door2:12

33Ain't That A Shame2:18

34Sh-Boom2:52

35Little Bitty Pretty One2:20

36The Big Hurt2:13

37Red River Rock2:12

38He Will Come Back to Me2:18

39Robbin' the Cradle

40The Purple People Eater (Rerecorded)2:15

41Come Softly To Me2:24

42My True Love2:45

43Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)2:47

44Tutti-Frutti (Re-Recorded)2:22

45Little Star2:40

46Witch Doctor (Re-Recording)

47Party Doll2:12

48Susie Darlin' (Re-Recording)

49The Freeze2:16

50Just a Dream2:29

51Sorry (I Ran All the Way Home)2:29

52The Happy Organ2:02

53Smoke Gets In Your Eyes2:39

54Seven Little Girls Sitting In The Back Seat2:15

55Bongo Rock2:08

56Do You Wanna Dance2:28

61Rockin' Robin (Re-Recorded)2:30

62You Got What It Takes (Re-Recording)

63Honky Tonk (Part 1)3:03

64Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay2:26

65The Fool2:43

66Hula Love2:19

67The Wayward Wind2:57

68Rebel Rouser2:17

69Mr. Blue2:21

70There Goes My Baby2:10

71Dark Moon2:42

72The Stroll (Re-Recorded)2:13

73Charlie Brown - Re-Recording2:33

74Only You (And You Alone) (Re-Recording)

75My Special Angel2:55

76A Rose and a Baby Ruth2:02

77Hushabye2:32

78Topsy Turvy

79Whispering Bells

80This Should Go On Forever2:48

81Keep A Knockin' (Rerecorded)

8216 Candles (Re-Recording)

88Maybe (Re-Recording)

89Go Jimmy Go2:15

90Hey Little Girl2:14

91My Heart Is an Open Book2:07

97Ain't Got No Home2:17

98Little Doggie (Re-Recording)

99Gonna Find Me a Bluebird2:39

100Teen Beat2:22

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Mucahit410

5y↑17

Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Brother you don't know a nicer occupation
Matter of fact, neither do I
Than standing on a corner watching all the girls
Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by

I'm the cat that got the cream
Haven't got a girl but I can dream
Haven't got a girl but I can wish
So I'll take me down to Main street
And that's where I select my imaginary dish

Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by
Standing on a corner giving all the girls the eye
Brother if you've got a rich imagination
Give it a whirl, give it a try
Try standing…

Türkçe diline çevir

All comments from YouTube:

@kevinlikethevideooflynnfer9597

45w

Remember this when I grew up in the 50’s

@joybreeden366

6y↑27

Wow.
Good song thank you Frank Loesser for so many great songs. No one could sing this better than the Lads...

@williamfields7287

40w↑2

I was just thinking of thinking of this song today so I decided to look it up.

@11froglegs

2y↑2

Absolutely fantastic song,and who cares what I am thinking? They can't read my mind YET?

@davidmoore6112

2y↑3

Whatever happened to the the class of being an entertainer professional dressing nice clean clean music clean lyrics I guess so everything changes for the better? Whatever happened to class like Marvin Gaye said I'll be dog gone it's long gone The four lads God bless you and your family thank you

@miketroutman7365

4y↑17

They were better days. Love going back in time.

@DavidSilk1956

46w↑3

A great old song from back in the day! Thanks for sharing!
Mind you…I wonder how many complaints they’d get about the lyrics if they tried writing it today in this crazy world we’re currently living in? 🙈😂😂

@dennycrane9348

3y↑7

WHAT TREMENDOUS TALENTED INDIVIDUALS, WHERE IS THE TALENT TODAY.

@Dudemon-1

Writing software like Autotune.

@joery60

Nowadays you get a lawsuit when you sing or do this 😂

@danmenefee5437

5y↑9

I was 4 years old when this song came out and it still invokes happy and fond memories!

@vickramgoswami2297

Awesome 😎

@jerryramsey4545

3y↑2

I remember this song.🙂

@bobkennedy9501

9y↑14

Love all the Four Anybodies. A 50s phenomenon.

@hippy1002

Saw the 4 Preps in Vancouver in 1962. Awesome show

@joybreeden366

4y↑8

Never forget how well the Four Lads perform this number...

@hankkingsley9300

1y↑1

Dino did it way better.

@larryjohnson6385

52w

@Hank Kingsley Dino does all his songs great I’ll give his cover a listen👍👍

@11froglegs

4y↑3

Great song I luv it ,but your right no more creeping on the corner,good ol' days r gone,but they can't take the song away😆

@ChristopherSobieniak

This was my mom's music.

@carolelinda6476

5y↑38

Love this song and the Four Lads. In today’s crazy P.C. world it would no doubt be considered sexist. Sad.

@AlexanderMartinez-qo6yf

4y↑1

idk why we have come to this time.... I appreciate the like thought you have... At least I know some people are like thinking...

@mikereiss4216

3y↑3

Also "girl watcher" by the O'Kaysions a little over a decade later.

@RG7621

7y↑7

Just had to look up this song. My Grandad was listening to it on a home video my auntie gave me.

@dongrainer6405

4y↑4

Love the song. I was 12 when this song came out. When you think of the morals of the times this song was pretty racy.

@blackholeentry3489

16w

I was 98 when this song came out.

@lourodriguez962

1y↑1

I wish Rush had featured this tune when he covered the NAGS!
😎

@williamfields7287

40w

I remember the NAGS. I still use that term.

@mrleewins

4y↑3

On a troopship going to Germany in 1960, I had the pleasure of performing this song.

@latinmonkey

34w

I think i first heard this song on an episode of I Love Lucy, where the Mertz’s and Ricardo’s had the share a ticket/ seats to a play.

@margaretjames5883

5y↑5

So romantic love it .

@cristiroe9161

9y↑14

I have a vinyl LP with these handsome four lads on the cover, lucky me

@xhelloxnianticx8183

3y↑1

And you’re listening to it on YouTube!? XD

@xhelloxnianticx8183

3y↑1

I’m just messin around :p that is sick I’m jelly

@sheilabloom6735

5y↑5

I forgot Loesser wrote this. I loved the Four Lads.

@johnanderson2654

2y↑1

The Four Lads made a lot of great records.

@jamnee

This song came out the year I was born. I remember it well. Lol

@stewartgordon9032

3y↑1

The 4 Lads and the Crew Cuts attended St. Monsignor Ronan' s St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto and at one time, before either group took their famous names, 2 of each of them were singing as a quartet.

@BigBobber19

they traded singers kinda like baseball teams do.

@mikesmith7324

5y↑2

I love Lucy is why i am here.

@mikesnyder1788

6y↑5

I saw an excellent production of "The Most Happy Fella" in Cleveland many years ago. Written by the great Frank Loesser this song was the only one I recognized. More of an opera than an operetta (to me, at least) and very accessible and highly enjoyable.

@stewartgordon9032

Grads of St. MIchaels Choir School in Toronto as were the Crew Cuts.The Lads got their 1st break as the "Jordanaires" the back up group for Johnny Rae.

@carlosmilla4026

4y↑2

It was all clean fun back then.

@kevinlikethevideooflynnfer9597

44w

Love it

@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129

im 67 and remember this for years...its so silly

@jsbach15

9y↑20

Just delightful! Brings back memories of my Mother who played this song on the "RCA Victrola" all the time. Thanks for uploading. I'm your newest subscriber.

@AlexanderMartinez-qo6yf

4y↑2

Your mom is a Saint for this content gaining popularity or longevity
If she is still alive, thank her!

@violetapoint7796

@Alexander Martinez !! The talent of the year was musical. It rules all activity. So I remember exactly where I was, back when it played for the first time. The folk that surrounded me that day, all teenagers. I was older.
Everybody whistled that melody, for years... The world was very innocent.
Many teenagers were "going steady". Riding convertibles and necking at the drive-in, "going all the way" to the concession, and back through intermission, fogging all the windows. Oh The XX Century.! Some of us miss it.

@allenmurray7893

9y↑102

Great song by a great group from the fifties, however, you can go to jail for what you're thinking these days.

@thomasponzio8345

8y↑8

U can go to jail for what your thinking today...of course back then the girls had them sexy dresses and heels today yoga pants and either uggs or flip flops bummer

@edkollin

8y↑3

LMAO, but um wait a minute

@DaveyNY

7y↑10

It's always been ok to "think", just don't 'act' out your thoughts.
(except with your significant other) 8-)

@adrinagarcia9068

6y↑8

U can't go to jail for what your thinking!

@irenekent4335

Allen Murray

12 More Replies...

@davedunn4879

4y↑1

Used to go by the Ford plant and remember this ad to buy a new Ford

@TheDosshouse

7y↑3

Always reminds me playing with my Bayco set in the '50's

@joshdavies7822

4y↑2

I wish I could have lived in this world all you have to do know is wolf whistly and you get a fine

@ChristopherSobieniak

Yeah, you missed it.

@BigBobber19

3y↑2

ah 1956 when ogling was still a sport!

@anthonyrobertson2011

People almost all liked the rock Era of the 1950s when I was growing up, or at least knew those songs. Though I do like those songs, I always liked the early 50s of the pre-rock Era more. Though this is not technically pre-rock 50s, it's in the same style as the pre-rock stuff.

@barbaracowell7948

7y↑8

I'm in love in heaven I know I'm old l

@andypandy4078

5y↑1

This wasn't a hit in England until four years later in 1960 - I don't know why but the King Brothers were having a (bigger) hit with it at the same time so maybe they re-issued this original (?) version in response.

@Tom-gv2eo

14w

😊. Yes- very popular in U k in 1960, a nice sing-a-long song, but not rok,n,roll or doowop - which rebellious teenagrs preferrd😮

@luizmartes5354

good time......

@ericdreizen1463

1y↑1

The Vogues remade this hit w/ the Wrecking Crew in '69. And it's very good of course. But despite the improved technology, that recording is not as good as this one!

@kiruriah1

3y↑1

Today in 2021 you would be considered a pervert, Looking at ladies today is now frowned upon, not to mention paying them a compliment. Those were the days.

@ChristopherSobieniak

3y↑1

Certainly got topsy turvy.

@rmazzella5303

3y↑2

You might be wasting your time anyhow—a lot of women these days have just let themselves go.

@ChristopherSobieniak

3y↑1

@R Mazzella True there.

@janinedrummatucker7713

8y↑7

Brought here by "I love Lucy" or "The Lucy Desi Comedy Hour." Which ever one u want to call it! Either way good song and even greater tv show!

@stormwatcher1299

Same!

@geraldhesch9780

the four lads were ok, but the four aces were amazing. their version is much better, too.

@Tom-gv2eo

14w

😮. I dunno who Th 4 lads were: Where- from UsA or UK? The 4 Aces probably sounded better b cos they wer on a Big record label with -- - production facility's. etc.

@user-vm4gv3xv6e

3y↑1

조회수 131,219회... 잘 들었습니다.

@henryv4222

6y↑3

Nice job if you can get it!

@TedWms521

A production of the whole musical is available on YouTube. Check out the opening, "Ooh, my feet!"

@thomasponzio8345

8y↑5

top 3 hit in 1956 remember I Love Lucy final season when they go see this and Ricky wonders what the show about.Fred says "I can tell u one thing the guys not married!Ricky says "how can you tell?"..Fred says "Look at the title"

@designerpens

🤣

@HarpiaProductions

My dad was asked back in school to join them.

@Mucahit410

5y↑17

@bmcsue7973

8y↑34

The Days of real Talent ... what happen.

@doesntmatter7774

8y↑9

You got locked in the past. Don't worry, it happens to a lot of people.

@mr.warmth1511

7y↑5

no i just like talent

@PurpleRain500

5y↑6

Stupidity. The music industry is trying to manufacture hits and the public is too stupid to realize it and buy that crap and fawn over it like it’s the best thing since sliced bread. That’s why every song sounds alike. They have done research on what sounds sell the best and pattern every song around that in the Top 40. All creativity is dead. We live in the age of microwaved hits or “McMusic” if you will. The fast food era of music where substance and quality takes the biggest hit. I pray someday it’ll end. 🙏🏾✝️💟☮️💜

@savannahorner4296

5y↑4

It all went to shit

@danmenefee5437

5y↑4

@PurpleRain500 So true! You nailed it and out of the park it goes- a home run!!!

@limey1able

Andrew Mann, I agree.

@irenekent4335

5y↑2

Love it blow modern moans lighten up enjoy

@rhysmcconnell8636

5y↑5

My great great uncle is Bernie I’m not lying u can believe me or not

@Sewnknit

Loved this voice!

@BigBobber19

Frankie, Connie, Jimmy and Bernie...last but definitely not least!

@ethand5703

3y↑1

Slauson?

@johnpuopolo554

Okay.

@pkhaikokhiam5651

All song of petra

@jamesjarvis5653

If I did that now I’d wind up on YouTube!

@sherryhannah9262

13w

I hope y’all will reply to this Dean Martin also recorded this song

@oli9578

0:45

@deutshsean8313

Levi stubbs brought me back

@irenekent4335

6y↑1

he he well girls do u mind this song in this day and age seeing as u object to whistles on my

@boomer3150

Who cares what they think?

@AnAverageJoesChannel

6y↑5

Just wait for this to be in fallout.

@stefanogrillo6040

ajaja

@amenoiralmagest2440

already is, in a radio mod that is

@jackojackson9082

6y↑33

Your taken to court these days if u even whistle at a girl.
Mad times we live in.

@1223jamez

6y↑4

Demonic times!

@irenekent4335

5y↑4

How pathetic in this day and age

@ms-dosguy6630

No way...

@Capcoor

5y↑3

MS-DOS Guy He’s exaggerating, but not by much

@BernardProfitendieu

5y↑4

then don't whistle. problem solved, Palooka.

4 More Replies...

@adrinagarcia9068

They said I haven't got a girl and that's no joke but in the real song he says I couldn't even buy a girl and nickel coke. They messed up.

@hippy1002

65 years later. still standing on the corner. The cafe' is gone and 55 story office tower in there instead. The girls? Well they ll got tattoos now and they never smile and ....................

@boomer3150

Right...too creepy to watch.

@LarryMossey

13w

Gotta say, most young girls today are no longer sexy. I feel sorry for kids.

@mr.bandity9604

5y↑1

Gmod Mafia RP, anyone?

@Katalystuk1

These guys would be considered creepy stalkers today 😳

@boomer3150

Only by weirdo "woke" fairies.

@Katalystuk1

1y↑1

@@boomer3150 🤣🤣🤣

@relentless

1y↑1

Ok can we get a creepiest song ever award to these cats for THIS song??? “I’m the cat who got the cream” omg just lookin at women as meat? “Givin all the girls the eye” as in OOGLING??? And a dude standing on Main Street (with no money, broke af mind you) “reviewing the haram parading before me” and finally “you can’t go to jail for what your thinkin” which would imply and confirm that the thoughts are arguably vicious, overtly sexual and likely against the law? Wtf I hate to be a prude or the party poop because I’m all about the sex… but how long ago were these seeds planted in my head??? And is thinking these thoughts my fault? Or better yet how many of us were brainwashed???😮

@fearlessfroggo3952

38w

Yah so many ppl out here like

'miss these days, smh you can't wolf whistle at girls anymore, most arent even worth looking at'

like... srsly? 😅 folks might get a little too easily offended in some ways, but I feel like we've also progressed as a society by discouraging these behaviors

@andrewmann2139

8y↑8

Some of the comments on here signal the end of the human race.

@pauluap1000

moldy oldie!

@harryhagan5937

You think that would be a hit these days? I wonder how many guys even know how to wolf whistle anymore. Sigh.

@ronlegault2236

23w↑1

Get arrested for being a pervert singing that song today standing on the corner in L. A. 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

@Capcoor

5y↑2

But no whistling though. Or catcalling.

@bobdavis4848

Hmmmm? There is whistling in this song.

@scottleft3672

6y↑4

how is this allowed....oh the masoginy....i'm going to0 get fully triggered now....move back please, i need a safe space.

@minormoneyvlogs305

6y↑9

scott left please tell me that you are joking

@pisskink4511

5y↑3

It was a different time back then not that I would know but still 😂

@bobdavis4848

4y↑1

You mean misogyny.

@scottleft3672

@MinorMoneyvlogs WELL DUH...seriously.

@scottleft3672

@Bob Davis Deliberate...ok?...as in my soginy

13 More Replies...

@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129

im tempted to play it with images of todays girls with dyed green hair ,piecrings in nose with rings huge 300 pound women..isnt that sick...maybe too mean to do ,,,but life didnt seem that way in 1960..i guess the meds made then fat and gmo food

@designerpens

2y↑2

Much of today's millennial generation seems angry. I'd be angry too if I had to listen to all the crappy so called "music" produced today.

@boomer3150

Well-said. Some of them need to be slapped.

@savannahorner4296

Martin Dean did it better but still a nice song

@datboi5979

Gay

@BadWebDiver

The total opposite actually.

@bobdavis4848

4y↑1

@BadWebDiver I used to have to play this song on the radio and thought four gays should make their own version about watching all the boys go by.

@royabauman5770

4y↑4

The lyrics are awful. Hadn’t heard of it until dad started singing some of it yesterday. Helped promote rape culture and objectification. The voices are amazing, but come on!