Meaning of 'Subway'

by Sesame Street

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song "Subway" by Sesame Street are about the subway and the experiences one can have while riding it. The song starts with an old lady apologizing after bumping into a hip dude. Then, the hip dude starts singing:

"Underneath the street
Can you feel the steady beat?
It's the subway!"

In the song, the subway is described as a place where there's always a loud and strong rhythm. It's sung that there's no more room in the city, so the trains were taken underground. It's also mentioned that you have to buy a ticket to ride the subway. The lyrics describe the tightness and the crowds in the subway, where people fight for space and have to hold onto the handrails. It's also mentioned that in some cases, it's so crowded that some people don't have any space.

"My stop just went by
Hey, your thumb's in my eye
It's so hot, I could die
Anywhere, everywhere, any way"

The lyrics also describe the possible downsides of riding the subway, like losing wallets or other belongings. However, the subway is portrayed as an affordable means of transportation in the city and is referred to as a kind of "longest running show underground".

"Come on, get on
You'll be taken along
In the subway
Where's that?
In the subway!"

The lyrics convey the impression that riding the subway is full of energy and adventure, even if it can be uncomfortable at times. It's emphasized that you have to buy a ticket and go along with it to fully enjoy the subway experience. The lyrics end with everyone getting off the train, except for Bert and the cop.

In summary, "Subway" is about the experiences one can have in the subway, the tightness and the crowds, but also the excitement and fun that can be had while riding it.