Down on the Corner
Harmonizing Joy on the Street: Unraveling Love Seed Mama Jump's Musical Tale
Lyrics
Early in the evenin just about supper time,
Describes the setting in the early evening, close to supper time.
Over by the courthouse theyre starting to unwind.
People near the courthouse are starting to relax and unwind.
Four kids on the corner trying to bring you up.
Four kids on the street corner are trying to uplift the mood.
Willy picks a tune out and he blows it on the harp.
Willy plays a tune on the harmonica (harp).
Chorus:
Chorus - Sets the scene on the corner, Willy and the poor boys playing music.
Down on the corner, out in the street,
Describes the location "Down on the corner, out in the street."
Willy and the poorboys are playin;
Willy and the poor boys are playing music.
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.
Encourages people to bring a nickel and enjoy the music by tapping their feet.
Rooster hits the washboard and people just got to smile,
The rooster (possibly a band member) plays the washboard, bringing smiles to people.
Blinky, thumps the gut bass and solos for a while.
Blinky plays the gut bass and performs a solo.
Poorboy twangs the rhythm out on his kalamazoo.
Poorboy plays the rhythm on his Kalamazoo (possibly a guitar).
Willy goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo.
Willy dances and also plays the kazoo, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Chorus
Reiteration of the chorus.
Chorus
Repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the lively street scene.
You dont need a penny just to hang around,
Highlights that there is no cost to hanging around on the corner.
But if youve got a nickel, wont you lay your money down?
Encourages those with a nickel to contribute to the festive atmosphere.
Over on the corner theres a happy noise.
Describes a happy noise on the corner, drawing people from all around.
People come from all around to watch the magic boy.
People come to watch the magic boy, possibly a reference to one of the performers.
Chorus
Reiteration of the chorus, emphasizing the communal enjoyment of the music.
Chorus
Repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the scene of musical joy on the corner.
Chorus
Final repetition of the chorus, concluding the song with the lively street music theme.
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