Broadway

The Pinballs' song "Broadway" paints a vivid and haunting picture of a world where beauty and decay coexist. The lyrics describe a bustling, beautiful street where people come and go, but beneath the surface, there's a sense of inevitable decline. The imagery of a young girl turning into a decayed witch and a mirror shattering suggests the loss of innocence and the harsh reality that awaits those who are drawn to the allure of Broadway. The reference to the scent of spent gunpowder adds a sense of danger and finality, hinting at the destructive nature of this seemingly glamorous world.

The chorus of the song uses powerful metaphors to convey the intensity and danger of performing on this stage. Singing like a deadly poison and cutting rainbows with a razor blade evoke a sense of beauty intertwined with pain and danger. The performance is described as something unforgettable, meant to leave a lasting impression, much like the toxic allure of Broadway itself. The mention of sneaking poison into the breeze and numbing without pain further emphasizes the deceptive and insidious nature of this world. The song welcomes listeners to this dark, enchanting night, inviting them to experience the twisted charm of Broadway.

In the second verse, the song delves deeper into the city's dark side, where undertakers thrive, and castles are easily built but true kings are not. This suggests a world where appearances are deceiving, and true power and authenticity are hard to come by. The imagery of a wilting backstage rose and the beginning of a new morning symbolizes the fleeting nature of beauty and the constant cycle of hope and despair. The singer anticipates wandering alone again, highlighting the loneliness and isolation that often accompany the pursuit of dreams in such a harsh environment. The final chorus reiterates the themes of taking everything without a sound and the beginning of an enjoyable yet ominous night, bidding farewell to the beloved yet treacherous Broadway.