On Broadway

The speaker begins by describing Broadway as a place others say is dazzling and full of magic. But his own experience is harsh: he is hungry, poor, and discouraged. By the end, his mood changes from disappointment to determined optimism. He believes his guitar playing can help him succeed, and he refuses to give up.

“Neon lights” and “magic in the air” suggest the excitement and glamour people associate with the street. Yet “the glitter rubs right off” means that this attractive image disappears when faced with hardship. A “thin dime” is a very small amount of money; the speaker has so little that he cannot even afford a basic service like shining his shoes. “Name in lights” is an expression for becoming famous, especially as a performer.

The ending is confident, but it may be more than a simple prediction of success. The speaker could be expressing genuine faith in his talent, or using big dreams to push back against poverty and other people’s doubts. The lyrics do not tell us whether he actually becomes a star, so the song leaves his future open.