Until the next time... is a blog usually focused on writing, music, and travel to places near and far. It concerns some of the things I've learned and some of the things I've messed up through the years. The blog also appears at www.michaelembry.com/blog.html.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Story Songs: On Broadway
I must admit that I love songs that inspire, and one of my favorites is "On Broadway."
The tune was first made popular by The Drifters, one of the legendary groups of the 1960s, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard chart in 1963. George Benson, a great jazz guitarist and vocalist, did even better, taking it to No. 7 in 1978.
For me, the song is about determination and refusing to give up, despite the odds:
"They say the neon lights are bright 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 had enough to eat The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere (on Broadway)"
But the singer has a strong resolve to make a name for himself despite what others are telling him:
"Ha! 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 oh! They're dead wrong, I know they are 'Cause I can play this here guitar And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway (on Broadway)"
I think the message in the song is believe in yourself and not to get discouraged by detractors. And sometimes we can find our worst detractor simply by looking in the mirror.
And as the song proclaims, you can succeed with a positive attitude:
"I'm gonna make it, yeah (on Broadway) I'll be a big, big, big man (on Broadway) I'll have my name in lights (on Broadway) Everybody, everybody's gonna know me, yes (on Broadway)"
This one has a personal meaning to me. My brother was a musician forever searching so many years ago for his own identity. He did take that Greyhound bus back home and never got his life together again. He died too young. Bittersweet memories for me, but loved both of the most popular versions. Thanks!
I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I guess the thing I like is shooting for your dreams. Most of the time we don't hit the stars, but what's important is that one tried. I would rather try to do something and fail than wonder "what if?"
This one has a personal meaning to me. My brother was a musician forever searching so many years ago for his own identity. He did take that Greyhound bus back home and never got his life together again. He died too young. Bittersweet memories for me, but loved both of the most popular versions.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I guess the thing I like is shooting for your dreams. Most of the time we don't hit the stars, but what's important is that one tried. I would rather try to do something and fail than wonder "what if?"
Deleteoh my! I love that song! is one of my favourites!!! I agree with you Michael we most at least try :D hope you have a happy week :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a happy week as well, Elizabeth.
ReplyDelete