In the summer here in Harlem, there’s an old guy that’s rigged his bicycle with a little trailer in which he hauls a boom box. Around dusk, he rides around the park playing Motown hits. It has a very different effect than the usual blaring boombox, illuminating and brightening things as he glides by. He seems quite committed to his serenade, as though it’s a mission he has to do, to make the world right. And it does.
We wonder what that milkman was playing on his brilliantly-rigged phonograph. Another anonymous soul spreading music.
Callin’ out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat?
Summer’s here and the time is right for dancin’ in the street.
Dancin’ in Chicago (dancin’ in the street)
Down in New Orleans (dancin’ in the street)
In New York CityAll we need is music, sweet music,
There’ll be music everywhere
There’ll be swingin’ swayin’, and records playin,
Dancin’ in the streetOh it doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there.
So come on every guy, grab a girl,
Everywhere, around the worldThere’ll be dancin’, they’re dancin’ in the street.
This is an invitation, across the nation,
A chance for folks to meet.
There’ll be laughin’ singin’, and music swingin’
Dancin’ in the streetPhiladelphia P.A., Baltimore and D.C now,
Can’t forget the motor city,
All we need is music, sweet music
There’ll be music everywhere
There’ll be swingin’ swayin’, and records playin,
Dancin’ in the streetOh it doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there.
So come on every guy, grab a girl,
Everywhere, around the worldThey’re dancin’, dancin’ in the street
Way down in L.A., every day they’re dancin’ in the street
Lets form a big strong line, and get in time,
We’re dancin’ in the street.
Across the ocean blue, me and you
We’re dancin n the street
Image via Retronaut via Soibelman Syndicate News Agency Collection