On Broadway
The Platters & The Drifters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 lyrics of The Platters & The Drifters' song On Broadway paint a vivid picture of the magic and the darker side of life on Broadway. The neon lights that shine bright on Broadway are said to contain a certain kind of magic, but they seem out of reach for the person in the song. The glamorous girls of Broadway are something else, but they give the singer the blues because he cannot afford to indulge in their company. The song describes the story of a down-on-his-luck musician who is trying to make it big on Broadway but he does not have enough money to shine his shoes.
The singer is determined to succeed despite the odds, as he knows he is good at playing his guitar. He believes that he can make it big on Broadway, despite the many naysayers who tell him he will not last long. The song captures the struggles of those who attempt to make it big in the entertainment industry and shows that it is possible to achieve success irrespective of obstacles that may come one's way.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the neon lights are bright
Broadway is known for its bright neon lights that illuminate the street at night.
On Broadway (on Broadway)
The song is referencing Broadway, a famous street in New York City where many theaters are located.
They say there's always magic in the air (on Broadway)
Broadway is known for its lively and magical atmosphere with many shows, performances and entertainment options.
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 are homeless or poverty-stricken, the glamour of Broadway fades and you experience the harsh reality of struggling to survive.
They say the girls are somethin' else
On Broadway (on Broadway)
Broadway is also known for its beautiful women, but the singer is not impressed and feels down when looking at them.
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)
The singer doesn't have enough money to enjoy his time on Broadway and cannot even afford to shine his worn-out shoes.
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 are skeptical of the singer's dreams of making it big on Broadway, and they think he will soon give up and go back home on a Greyhound bus.
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)
The singer is determined to prove everyone wrong and make it big on Broadway as a star with his guitar skills. He won't give up until he achieves his dream.
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 singer will not stop until he achieves fame and success on Broadway. He envisions his name in lights, everyone recognizing him, and his music heard up and down the street.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind