“Avenue C” is a track written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow. It appeared on his 1976 album This One’s for You.
The song has a wistful, nostalgic feel, with Manilow’s emotive vocals backed by a lush, orchestral arrangement. Lyrically, it reflects on the narrator’s memories of growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, specifically on Avenue C.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the neighborhood, with references to “tenement walls” and “children playing stickball in the street.” There’s a sense of fondness and longing for the simpler times of Manilow’s youth.
Musically, “Avenue C” showcases Manilow’s talent for crafting sentimental, adult contemporary-style ballads. The sweeping strings and piano lines give the song an almost cinematic quality, evoking a bygone era.
While not one of Manilow’s biggest hits, “Avenue C” is considered a highlight among his more introspective, autobiographical compositions. It demonstrates his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level through his songwriting.
The track also highlights Manilow’s skills as an arranger, blending pop and orchestral elements to create a rich, emotive soundscape. This helped solidify his reputation as a master of the contemporary pop/adult contemporary style.
Overall, “Avenue C” is a poignant, nostalgic ballad that offers a glimpse into Barry Manilow’s roots and his gift for evoking a strong sense of place and emotion through his music.
Lyrics
Brass: N. Y. I dig Reeds: What about it? Brass: N. Y. is big Reeds: People tout it Brass: I flip my wig Reeds: What about? Brass: ‘Bout a street I dig
Piano (Basie’s solo): One day I was walkin’ n’ Finally came upon a series of alphabet streets A-be -see and D, but I went for “see” The most of the hard-to-forget streets It’s really and truly the dilly of all m’pet streets Tenor sax: Hey, hey, hey everybody now
Brass: Come go walkin’ with me now Walk up avenue see now Chicks all lookin’ so pretty They don’t give me no pity Avenue see is the grooviest in the city
Tenor sax: I never dug an avenue so enjoyable to me “see” Avenue is groovy Yes it was groovy as it could be Brass: Walk with me down Avenue see Tenor sax: Man I really hope to say
Brass: Come on baby, while we ramble Walk beside me while we ramble Tenor sax: You dig it too I feel you do What a scenic hike It’s a walk that you’re bound to like
Brass: why’got “be ” on the one side Reeds: “A” Brass: “D” on the other Reeds: “be “ Brass: “see” in the middle Reeds: “see” Brass and Reeds: Baby!
Trumpet: The reason that you’re feelin’ so down, babe Is ’cause you live in Stuyvesant Town, babe I dug you down in Hamilton Fish, babe And realized that you were my dish, babe Walkin’ home and you can walk with me Walkin’ hand in hand up Avenue see, Oh babe And while we’re walkin’ we can do some talkin’ While the people dig us wonderin’ what we’re puttin’ down While we, happy as we can be, glide on Takin’ life in stride up to Murphy Park there beside the river
Brass: Well our feet got rhythm Reeds: Pure pedal syncopation Brass: ‘N when we walk with ’em Reeds: Demandin’ admiration Brass: Well our step is snappy Reeds: Dig people step aside now Brass: Because we’re so happy Reeds: We’re takin’ life in stride now Brass: Avenue see your vibrations are followin’ me. Oh yes
Reeds: Everybody busily lookin’ Brass: Yes yes Reeds: Me and baby steadily cookin’ Brass: Yes yes Reeds: Start at one end talkin’ and movin’ Brass: Yes yes Reeds: To the other wiggin’ and groovin’ Brass: So come Reeds: You should Brass: And view Reeds: I would Brass: This Ave- Reeds: You could Brass: Venue Reeds: It’s good
Brass: Walk on Reeds: “see” Avenue, see it my way Brass: Talk on Reeds: No better view on a highway Ensemble: Big town you don’t know ’till you see it Brass: Walk on Reeds: I never saw such a wonderful sight Drum break
Ensemble: You’re gonna love it Break
Brass: I’m hip, you’ll flip Reeds: When you dig it you’ll stop and linger Brass: You’ll pop your top Reeds: What a pleasure and what a swinger Ensemble: Go dig it cop that view it’s bound to thrill you (Come on, come on, go) Go dig it cop that view it’s bound to thrill you (Come on, come on, now, go) Go dig it cop that view it’s bound to thrill you Go dig it cop that view it’s bound to thrill you
