Meaning of "Broadway Hotel" by Al Stewart

The lyrics of "Broadway Hotel" paint a picture of isolation and a longing for human connection. The Broadway Hotel serves as a metaphor for a place of refuge, where the protagonist seeks escape from the complexities and uncertainties of life. The interactions with the man at the hotel reflect the human desire for love and understanding, as well as the fear of being alone. The repeated references to love being just out of reach and the feeling of everyone staying away suggests a sense of unfulfilled longing and missed opportunities. The final interaction where the protagonist asks the man to stay signifies a yearning for companionship and a willingness to embrace connection. Overall, the song captures the universal themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for love and meaning in a world that often feels distant and indifferent.