The way you read the crowd, the way you make them pay
You stepped in and did the scene a whole new way
No one would resist you now and even if they could
Hollywood just never had it quite this good

I see your name in lights, I see them standing in line
They send the cards and the wine
Broadway here she comes
You should be a natural

Camera, action, do it again
(Ooh, anyway I gotta do it)
What a reaction, do it again
(Yeah, gonna make you a star)

Camera, action, do it again
(Ooh, anyway I gotta do it)
What a reaction, do it again
(To get you this part)

No one had to tell you what your smile was for
You sure there's not an uncle name of Barrymore
Now she did this and she did that you are the latest talk
Now there lining up for you around the block

Throwing roses and Holy Moses
Even the Times say
Sparks fell from the skies
That gets you immortalized

Camera, action, do it again
(Oh, anyway I gotta do it)
What a reaction, do it again
(Yeah, I'm gonna make you a star)

Camera, action, do it again
Ooh, anyway I gotta do it)
What a reaction, do it again
(To get you this part)

They gave you 5 stars, they're sending big cars
And Sunset Boulevard will never be the same
You give it a brand new name

Camera, action, do it again
(Ooh, anyway I gotta do it)
What a reaction, do it again
(Yeah, I'm gonna make you a star)

Camera, action, do it again
(Ooh, anyway I gotta do it)
What a reaction, do it again
(To get you this part)

Camera, action, do it again
(Ooh, anyway I gotta do it)
What a reaction, do it again
(To get you this part)

Camera, action, do it again
What a reaction, do it again
Camera, action, do it again
What a reaction, do it again

Camera, action, do it again
What a reaction, do it again


Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings

Hollywood Lyrics as written by William R. Royce Scaggs Michael Omartian

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Hollywood song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    I think this song is from the voice of an agent painting big dreams for a client, telling her she's going to be this fabulous big star with all the trappings of fame, and how he is going to make it all happen by getting her a part in a show or movie. From that perspective, there's something almost cynical about it, because he's giving her these grandiose ideas about herself ("You sure there's not an uncle name of Barrymore?" and the crowds lining up around the block throwing roses, the Times touting her). That's spreading it on pretty thick. I have to wonder whether the guy is sincere or just buttering the client up to keep her paying his fee. However, it's still a fun song. I love to blast it and belt it out while driving.

    law4on June 21, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I work in Hollywood and fucking LOVE this song. Between this and Steely Dan's:

    "Haitian Divorce" ("Now we dolly back, now we fade to black"),

    "Glamour Profession" ("Hollywood, I know your middle name / who inspires your fabled fools? That's MY claim to fame"),

    "Showbiz Kids" ("Show business kids making movies of themselves, you know they don't give a fuck about anybody else") and

    "Everyone's Gone To The Movies" ("I know you're here for 16 [millimeter] or more / sorry, we only have [Super] 8"),

    Man, the songs of the Seventies are prime drive-fast listening for those of us in the game... :D

    There are those who might ask, well, what about Kool & The Gang's "Hollywood Swingin'"? It's a swell jam, but if you listen to the lyrics, they're about being a musician in Los Angeles -- not someone working in the movie industry. I just can't connect that vibe. For me, as a director, it's those songs that talk industry lingo AND GET IT RIGHT.

    Hot damn. And with a jam beneath it, no better listenin'. :)

    heatherferon January 19, 2013   Link

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