Broadway Hotel

Al Stewart's 'Broadway Hotel' is a poignant exploration of the elusive and often misunderstood nature of love. The song's narrative unfolds in a hotel, a transient space that symbolizes the fleeting and impermanent aspects of human connections. The protagonist's interactions with the hotel man reveal a deep sense of longing and confusion about love. The repeated phrase 'Love was a rollaway' suggests that love is something that can be easily moved or hidden away, much like a rollaway bed. This metaphor highlights the transient and elusive nature of love, which seems always just out of reach.

The protagonist's request for a 'room with a view' and the man's silent response underscore the theme of isolation and introspection. The room becomes a sanctuary where the protagonist can hide from the world and reflect on the man's cryptic words about love. The imagery of 'mist on a summer's day' and 'a smile away' evokes a sense of something beautiful yet intangible, further emphasizing the difficulty of grasping the true essence of love. The protagonist's solitude in the room, coupled with the man's enigmatic statements, creates an atmosphere of melancholy and introspection.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's desire for connection becomes more apparent. The request for the man to stay and the subsequent realization that 'no-one came near' highlights the loneliness and yearning for companionship. The Broadway Hotel, with its room service and closed doors, serves as a metaphor for the barriers we create in our search for love and understanding. Stewart's lyrical craftsmanship and the haunting melody combine to create a deeply moving reflection on the complexities of love and human connection.