Candi Staton - Nights On Broadway Lyrics
Lyrics
Here we are in a room full of strangers
I'm standing in the dark
Where your eyes couldn't see me
Well, I have to follow you
Though you did not want me to
But that won't stop my lovin' you
I just can't stay away
Blaming it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them love songs
Singin' them straight to the heart songs
Blamin' it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them sweet sounds
To that crazy, crazy town
Now in my place
There are so many others
Standin' in the line
How long will they stand between us?
Well, I have to follow you
Though you didn't want me to
But I just can't stop lovin' you babe
Say, can't stay away
Blaming it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them love songs
Singin' them straight to the heart songs
Blamin' it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them sweet sounds
To that crazy, crazy town
Blaming it all on the nights on Broadway
Blaming it all on the nights on Broadway
Well, I have to follow you
Though you didn't want me to
But I just can't stop lovin' you babe
Say I can't stay away
Blaming it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them love songs
Singin' them straight to the heart songs
Blamin' it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them sweet sounds
To that crazy, crazy town
Blaming it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them love songs
Singin' them straight to the heart songs
Blamin' it all on the nights on Broadway
Singin' them sweet sounds
To that crazy, crazy town
Video
Candi Staton ~ Nights on Broadway (Official Music Video - 1977)
Meaning & Inspiration
Candi Staton's rendition of "Nights On Broadway" captures a distinct emotional texture, translating the original's pop sensibilities into a soulful, disco-infused lament. Released during an era vibrant with rhythm and dance, Staton imbues the track with a powerful vocal performance that conveys vulnerability hidden within a driving beat. While the song itself originated with another group, Staton's version is notable for its adaptation into her signature style, fitting seamlessly within the disco and soul soundscape she was prominent in during the late 1970s. The existence of an "Official Music Video - 1977," re-released or uploaded officially on 2023-02-26, highlights the enduring presence and potential archival value of Staton's work from this period, showcasing the visual style concurrent with the song's peak relevance.
The lyrics paint a picture of an individual grappling with unreciprocated or unwelcome affection amidst a bustling, impersonal environment. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of isolation within a crowd, standing "in the dark / Where your eyes couldn't see me" within a "room full of strangers." This sets the stage for the core conflict: a persistent, undeniable pull towards someone who evidently does not desire this connection, as stated directly: "Though you did not want me to." The crowded setting is emphasized again later with "so many others / Standin' in the line," reinforcing the feeling of being one among many, perhaps competing for attention or simply observing from a distance.
The repeated blaming of "the nights on Broadway" serves as a central thematic device. Broadway, representing a hub of entertainment, performance, and intense urban energy, becomes a scapegoat or catalyst for the narrator's overwhelming emotions. It is the atmosphere of this "crazy, crazy town," filled with "love songs" and "sweet sounds" sung "straight to the heart," that the narrator attributes their inability to "stop lovin' you" and "stay away" to. It suggests that the highly charged, perhaps theatrical or intensely romantic atmosphere of Broadway amplifies or excuses their persistent, almost compulsive, feelings and actions despite the lack of encouragement.
Underneath the musical energy, there is a profound sense of unwavering devotion in the face of obstacles. The declaration "I have to follow you" and the repeated assertion "I just can't stop lovin' you babe / Say, can't stay away" underline a powerful internal drive that overrides rational decision-making or the other person's clear lack of interest. This persistence, even when feeling unseen and unwanted, forms the emotional core of the narrative, portraying a love that is perhaps painful but perceived by the narrator as unavoidable, tied inextricably to the vibrant backdrop of their surroundings.
The theme of persistent, enduring emotion, even in challenging circumstances or when faced with rejection, can find resonance in various aspects of life, including faith. Scripture often speaks to the steadfastness required in relationship, both human and divine, and the idea of seeking or following something deemed invaluable despite difficulties. For instance, Proverbs 21:21 speaks of pursuing righteousness and kindness and finding life, prosperity and honor, highlighting the reward of persistence in positive pursuits. While the song describes a human, perhaps troubled, love, the underlying human experience of persistent yearning and following what feels like a compelling call, even when it's hard, is a relatable theme that touches upon the deep-seated human capacity for dedication, whether directed towards another person or a higher purpose.
Candi Staton's interpretation of "Nights On Broadway" remains a powerful example of transforming a popular hit through unique vocal talent and genre adaptation. Her soulful delivery captures the melancholic persistence described in the lyrics while simultaneously propelling the listener onto the dance floor, a hallmark of disco's ability to blend emotional depth with infectious rhythm. The song stands as a testament to her artistry and its place within the musical tapestry of the late 1970s.