On The Sidewalks Of New York
Nat King Cole · Other Songs - Nat King Cole
Old brown wooden stoop,
On a summer's evening,
We formed a merry group;
Boys and girls together,
We would sing and waltz,
While the "Ginnie" played the organ
On the sidewalks of New York.
[Chorus]
East side, West side,
All around the town,
The tots sang 'Ring-a-Rosie',
'London Bridge is falling down!
Boys and girls together,
Me and Mamie O'Rorke,
Tripped the light fantastic
On the sidewalks of New York.
That's where Johnny Casey,
And little Jimmy Crowe,
With Jakey Krause the baker,
Who always had the dough,
Pretty Nellie Shannon,
With a dude as light as cork,
First picked up the waltz step
On the sidewalks of New York.
[Chorus]
Things have changed since those times,
And some are up in "G,"
Others are wand'rers.
But all feel just like me,
They would part with all they've got,
Could they but once more walk,
With their best girl and have a twirl,
On the Sidewalks of New York.
[Chorus]
On The Sidewalks Of New York
Nat King Cole's 'On The Sidewalks Of New York' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery in the ballad genre, blending jazz sophistication with the smooth vocal delivery that defined his career. Recorded during the height of his fame, the track captures the melancholic yet romantic atmosphere characteristic of Cole's interpretation of standards. The song reflects the era's post-war musical landscape, where vocalists like Cole elevated traditional compositions into intimate, emotionally resonant performances. Cole's ability to convey deep feeling without relying on complex instrumental arrangements allowed this recording to become a staple in his discography, showcasing his versatility across pop and jazz formats. The piece remains a testament to his influence on vocal jazz and his enduring legacy in American music history.