Broadway
The Josephines Lyrics


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Broadway: 3:17

She grew up on Dolly, Willie and Waylon
Had rhinestone eyes, songs worth singing
She moved down to Nashville to be a big star
It’s been ten years she’s still tending bar

Don’t fall in love with cocaine or cowboys
They’ll take all your money and leave you alone
Might as well sit down, have another drink
So the lights on Broadway will carry you home

His momma was a drunk, his daddy was a sailor
He packed up his shit in a U-Haul trailer
“Nashville or bust” was written on the side
He couldn’t leave town without getting high

Don’t fall in love with cocaine or cowboys
They’ll take all your money and leave you alone
Might as well sit down, have another drink
So the lights on Broadway will carry you home

Don’t fall in love with cocaine or cowboys
They’ll take all your money and leave you alone
Might as well sit down, have another drink
So the lights on Broadway can carry you home


Don’t fall in love with cocaine or cowboys
They’ll take all your money and leave you alone

Might as well sit down, have another drink
So the lights on Broadway can carry you home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Broadway" by The Josephines tell the stories of two individuals who have arrived in Nashville with dreams of making it big in the music industry. The first verse describes a woman who grew up listening to country music legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. Despite her aspirations to become a renowned star in Nashville, she finds herself working as a bartender for a decade instead of pursuing her music career. The juxtaposition of her childhood idols and her current reality highlights the struggles and challenges faced by aspiring artists in the music industry.


The second verse introduces a man whose upbringing was marked by dysfunction, with a mother who was an alcoholic and a father who was a sailor. Determined to make it in Nashville, he packs up his belongings in a U-Haul trailer with “Nashville or bust” written on the side. However, he is unable to leave town without indulging in drugs, reflecting the pervasive influence of substance abuse in the music scene. This character's story represents the grit and desperation often associated with chasing dreams in the competitive world of music.


The repetitive chorus serves as a cautionary tale, warning against falling in love with the vices of cocaine and cowboys that can lead to financial ruin and isolation. The lyrics encourage the characters, and by extension, listeners, to seek solace in alcohol as a coping mechanism for the harsh realities of pursuing fame in Nashville. The notion of seeking refuge in alcohol to numb the pain and uncertainty encapsulates the struggles and disappointments faced by individuals trying to make it in the cutthroat music industry.


The recurring phrase “So the lights on Broadway can carry you home” conveys a sense of longing and yearning for success and validation in Nashville, the symbolic heart of the country music industry. Despite the warnings against destructive behaviors and the acknowledgment of the harsh truths of the industry, the characters in the song keep returning to their dreams, hoping that one day the bright lights of Broadway will lead them to their desired destination. The lyrics of "Broadway" paint a vivid portrait of the complexities and hardships faced by aspiring musicians on their journey to fame and the lengths they are willing to go in pursuit of their dreams.


Line by Line Meaning

She grew up on Dolly, Willie and Waylon
Her musical upbringing was influenced by iconic country artists like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings, shaping her passion for the genre.


Had rhinestone eyes, songs worth singing
She possessed a sparkle and enthusiasm (rhinestone eyes) for music, with aspirations to create and perform songs that resonate deeply.


She moved down to Nashville to be a big star
Driven by dreams of fame and success, she relocated to Nashville, the heart of country music, seeking her breakthrough.


It’s been ten years she’s still tending bar
Despite her long journey of a decade in pursuit of stardom, she remains in a humble job as a bartender, highlighting the struggle and reality of her ambitions.


Don’t fall in love with cocaine or cowboys
A cautionary warning about the dangers of unhealthy relationships and addictive substances prevalent in the music scene.


They’ll take all your money and leave you alone
Both the allure of drugs and unreliable partners can lead to financial ruin and emotional isolation.


Might as well sit down, have another drink
In the face of disappointment, she suggests numbing the pain by indulging in more alcohol.


So the lights on Broadway will carry you home
The vibrant nightlife and energy of Broadway can be comforting and familiar, serving as a reminder of the dreams she seeks.


His momma was a drunk, his daddy was a sailor
He comes from a troubled background, with a mother battling alcoholism and a father living a nomadic life at sea.


He packed up his shit in a U-Haul trailer
In a decisive moment, he prepares to leave his old life behind, gathering his belongings as he seeks change.


“Nashville or bust” was written on the side
Emblazoned on his trailer is a bold declaration of determination to reach Nashville, suggesting a one-way journey driven by ambition.


He couldn’t leave town without getting high
Before departing this familiar place, he succumbs to the temptation of drugs, indicating a reliance on substances for escape or courage.


Don’t fall in love with cocaine or cowboys
Once again, this serves as a valuable reminder of the pitfalls linked to drugs and unreliable romantic partners.


They’ll take all your money and leave you alone
The cycle of financial and emotional drain caused by these dangerous ties is reiterated.


Might as well sit down, have another drink
Suggesting resignation to despair, she proposes to drown sorrows with alcohol.


So the lights on Broadway will carry you home
Emphasizing that the vibrant atmosphere of Broadway serves as a comforting refuge, albeit a temporary one.


Don’t fall in love with cocaine or cowboys
Repeating the warning serves to reinforce the message about avoiding detrimental relationships and habits.


They’ll take all your money and leave you alone
The threat of financial loss and loneliness once more highlights the consequences of risky choices.


Might as well sit down, have another drink
In a moment of defeat, the suggestion to indulge in another drink implies both escapism and coping.


So the lights on Broadway can carry you home
Reiterating the charm of Broadway’s nightlife, suggesting it can provide solace in times of heartache.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Bradley Tabor, David Page, Joshua London, Pierce Alex Lindsey, Zachary Lindsey

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@nicolepuckett1904

The Josephine's are a fantastic band that put on a great show! Keep up the good work guys!!

@boothystyle

This is an amazing experience. Saw these cats in Franklin Kentucky. Absolutely mind blowing

@jakeconn9498

Can’t wait to see you all again with BSC!

@kdgmr97

New Favorite song

@Spudduk

Another absolute belta!!!!

@hayleyyoung9661

I really love your music, Josephines <3 Keep it up and break a leg <3! I hope to see you locally sometime soon this summer hopefully!! <3 Love, Hayley <3

@BigMackFuller98

Can't wait for you to come to the UK

@judywagner8512

Thanks to Buck’s Bar and Grill in Venice, Nebraska I know about y’all! Wish I could be there tonight!!! Love your music! ❤️

@AsherPriddy

Hell yeah this kicks ass

@felecia9858

Love it ✨✨✨

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