The Treat of 42nd Street

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is undeniably magnetic and elusive, constantly in motion and leaving a trail of intrigue. The repeated phrase "she really does get, she gets around" acts as a driving, almost hypnotic, refrain, establishing her widespread reputation before diving into specific, fantastical anecdotes. This opening sets a tone of almost mythical notoriety, hinting at a character who defies easy categorization or containment. The central tension lies in her almost supernatural ability to be everywhere and nowhere, a figure of desire and mystery. The narrator presents a series of outlandish locations and scenarios – the Eiffel Tower, downtown Tallahassee, the Taj Mahal – suggesting her reach is global and her exploits are legendary, if not entirely believable. This hyperbole emphasizes her allure and the narrator's fascination, positioning her as a prize or a phenomenon. The craft here is in the sheer breadth of imagery and the contrast between the mundane and the exotic. She's "the treat of 42nd street," a specific, gritty locale, yet she's also associated with "the Taj Mahal" and "the Champs-Elysees." This juxtaposition highlights her adaptability and the wide spectrum of her appeal, from the street-level hustle to international glamour. The lyrics suggest she knows her power, "knows what she's got, so she knows how to use it," further cementing her agency and control over her narrative. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their ability to create a larger-than-life persona through a series of vivid, albeit exaggerated, snapshots. The narrator isn't just describing a person; they're building a legend, a "femme fatale" who is both a tangible "treat" and an untouchable icon. The relentless repetition of her peripatetic nature makes her seem both everywhere at once and impossible to pin down, a captivating paradox.