42nd Street
Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell
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In the heart of little old New York You'll find a throughfare Its the part of little old New York That runs into times square A crazy quilt that Wall Street Jack built If you've got a little time to spare I'd like to take you there Come and meet Those dancing feet On the avenue I'm taking you too Forty second street Hear the beat of dancing feet Its the song I love the melody of Forty second street Little nifites from the fifties Innocent and sweet Sexy ladies from the eighties Who are indiscret Oh they're side by side They're glorified Where the underworld can meet the elite Forty second street
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Written by: Al Dubin, Harry Warren
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Composer Origin"42nd Street" was composed by Harry Warren, who was one of the most successful and prolific composers of popular music during the 20th century.
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LyricistThe lyrics of "42nd Street" were written by Al Dubin, a lyricist who paired up with Harry Warren for most of the songs the two made in the 1930s.
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Film DebutThe song "42nd Street" was initially performed by Dick Powell in the film of the same name in 1933.
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TributeThe song was written as a tribute to the New York City street that was the hub of the American theater industry.
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Film ImpactThe film "42nd Street" was a great success and it helped to revive the movie musical genre.
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Broadway AdaptationIn 1980, "42nd Street" was turned into a successful Broadway musical, where the song was also used.
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Award WinningThe musical version of "42nd Street" won the Tony Award for Best Musical and became a long-running hit.
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Song InfluenceThis popular song significantly contributed to the image of the New York City street in popular culture.
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Cultural PreservationThe song "42nd Street," along with the film, are preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
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CoversOver the years, "42nd Street" has been covered by many artists including Tony Bennett and Mel Tormé.
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Performance StyleDespite the song's upbeat tempo and cheery lyrics, it was originally performed by Dick Powell in a slightly melodramatic and sentimental manner, reflecting the hardships of the Great Depression era when the song was written.
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Soundtrack SuccessThe soundtrack of the film, which includes the song "42nd Street," was immensely popular and helped to spawn other successful 1930s musicals.
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Signature Song"42nd Street" became something of a theme song for Broadway, symbolizing the theatre district and the allure of New York City's nightlife.
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Citation
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"42nd Street Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2956976/Dick+Powell/42nd+Street>.
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