Ashford & Simpson – Street Corner: A Soulful Tapestry of Urban Life
In the tapestry of American soul music, Ashford & Simpson stand as a legendary duo. Their music, a vibrant blend of soulful vocals, infectious grooves, and socially conscious lyrics, resonated deeply with audiences throughout the 1960s, 70s, and beyond.
Among their enduring gems, “Street Corner” shines brightly, capturing the essence of urban life with a raw honesty and infectious energy.
Background
Released in 1982 on their self-titled album, “Street Corner” marked a return to their soulful roots after venturing into disco territory in the late 70s.
The song quickly became a fan favorite, praised for its gritty realism and Ashford & Simpson’s signature vocal interplay. It charted on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying their status as soul music icons.
Valerie Simpson’s vocals serve as a beacon of hope amidst the gritty realism. Her soulful delivery, soaring above the infectious groove, conveys a sense of resilience and unwavering spirit.
The interplay between Ashford and Simpson’s vocals is a hallmark of their music, and in “Street Corner,” it reaches a pinnacle of emotional intensity.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Intro]
Street life
Rough necks
Bad guys[Chorus]
On any street
Any street corner
On any street (Woo)
Any street corner (Oh, oh, oh)[Verse 1]
They try to pick me up and take me for a ride
I tell ’em, “No, the girl is satisfied”
They say, “I’ve got the stuff that really turns you on”
I tell ’em, “No, this little girl’s grown”
They say, “Fee, fee” and I say, “No, no, not me
I’m not the kind of girl you’re gonna see”[Chorus]
On any street (Woo)
Any street corner (Ah, you know it, girl)
On any street (Street)
Any street corner (Ooh, ooh, ooh)[Verse 2]
They say, “I’ve got a dime, I’ve got a nickel bag
Oh, it’s the best stuff you’ve, you ever had
I’ve got your pleasure right here in my hand
It’ll make you feel just, just like a real big man”
But when I stop to think about the cost
I know that I just might get lost[Chorus]
On any street (Ooh, oh, baby)
Any street corner (Oh, yeah oh, yeah)
On any street (Oh, yeah, sugar, sugar)
Any street corner (Oh, baby, oh, baby, oh)[Post-Chorus]
Oh (Oh)[Chorus]
On any street (Anywhere, anywhere, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Any street corner (They’ll find ya, they’ll find ya)
On any street (On the avenue, they’ll be waitin’)
Any street corner (They’ll be waitin’, on the avenue waitin’ for you)