On Broadway
Barry Mann
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They say the neon lights are bright On Broadway They say there's always magic in the air But when you're walkin' down that street And you ain't have enough to eat The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere They say the women treat you fine On Broadway But lookin' at them just gives me the blues How ya gonna make some time When all you got is one thin dime And one thin dime won't even shine your shoes They say that I won't last too long On Broadway I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home they all say But they get wrong, I know they are 'Cause I can play this here guitar I won't quit till I'm a star On Broadway On Broadway On Broadway
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Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Lyrics © DYAD Music Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Composition and Creation"On Broadway" is written by prolific songwriters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil in collaboration with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The four combined their talents to create this iconic song.
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Original Release DateThe song was original released in 1963, making it over 50 years old.
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The Drifters VersionAlthough written by Barry Mann, the song is better known for the version made famous by The Drifters. This version of "On Broadway" hit #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on the R&B chart.
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Subject MatterThe song details a narrative about trying to make it big on Broadway, a street synonymous with show business and entertainment fame in New York City.
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George Benson's VersionJazz guitarist George Benson also covered "On Broadway" in 1978, his rendition won a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance.
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Musical ReferencesThe song and its title have become a metonym for the entire Broadway theater industry, and it has been covered by numerous artists and used in several movies and television programs.
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Lieber and Stoller's ImpactThis song is one of many hits created by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller. The writing pair have produced songs for artists like Elvis Presley and The Coasters.
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Length DifferenceThe version by The Drifters was originally just over 3 minutes long. George Benson's cover, on the other hand, is over 5 minutes in length.
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Instrumental ComponentsThe George Benson version of "On Broadway" is well-known for its distinctive guitar solo.
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LegacyDespite its age, "On Broadway" remains a popular song and is still frequently covered and performed. Its resilient popularity demonstrates its timeless appeal and status as a classic.
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Citation
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"On Broadway Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 9 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3512875/Barry+Mann/On+Broadway>.
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