New York Is Killing Me
Gil Scott-Heron Lyrics
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Bunch of doctors coming 'round, they don't know
That New York is killing me
Yeah well I need to go home and take it slow in Jackson, Tennessee
Let me tell ya city ain't living all
It's cracked up to be
Fast city living ain't all
It's cracked up to be
Yeah seem I need to go home
And slow down in Jackson, Tennessee
Yes I lay down, I lay down
The doctor, try to take it all in
Yeah lay down, lay down
To try to take it all in
(Take it all in)
Yeah you got eight million people
And I didn't have a single friend
Don't you know, don't you know
New York was killing me
Yes, I was standing nearly dying here
New York was killing me
Seems like I need to start over
And go back home to Jackson, Tennessee
Lord have mercy, mercy on me
Yeah Lord have mercy, have mercy on me
Tell him to bury my body back home in Jackson, Tennessee
Yeah Lord have mercy, have mercy on me
Yeah I need to be back home, need to be back home
Need to be back home, need to be back home yeah
Born in Chicago but I go home Tennessee
Yeah I born in Chicago but I
go home to Tennessee
In Gil Scott-Heron's song New York Is Killing Me, the musician seems to be expressing his exhaustion with the fast-paced, stressful lifestyle of New York City. He suggests that the city is "killing" him, and that despite the doctors not being able to diagnose the issue, he knows that he needs to slow down and go back home to Jackson, Tennessee to truly heal. The repetitive chorus of "lay down, lay down, to try to take it all in" could be interpreted as the singer's attempt to pause, reflect, and absorb his surroundings, while also acknowledging the overwhelming nature of his situation.
The lyrics also touch on the loneliness and isolation that can come with living in a large city. The singer notes that despite the population of eight million people, he doesn't have a single friend. This sentiment feels especially poignant during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many people are feeling isolated and disconnected from their communities. Overall, the song seems to be a powerful commentary on the toll that living in a big city can take on one's mental and physical health, and the importance of slowing down and taking care of oneself in the face of these stresses.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Gil Scott-Heron
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carloolivari1072
If I'm not mistaken, this song was one of Gil Scott-Heron's last.
I think it's clear what he's singing about here: this album was composed in his final days.
He had HIV. He knew he was going to die. And perhaps most importantly, he knew death was coming to him soon.
I believe, some people, know when their time is coming. I guess sometimes, mortality can inspire a creative spark.
A great poet, writer, misician, and leader. And this was his dying wish. To "go back home to Tennessee".
Lord, have mercy.
@the_local_bigamist
Rest in Power! What an absolute legend who understood struggle - you can relate no matter your ethnic background, he just got to the bottom of struggle and you can hear the pain of experience in his voice.
This album was a beautiful finale for an under-appreciated talent who will go down as one of the great poets, writers, singers, thinkers and artists of modern times.
@theeladyk3314
R.I.P. my big Cuz. Say hello to your grandma Lily, my Aunt, and the rest of the Hamilton-Scott Family in Heaven. Its some of us in the FAM carrying on the Gifts that is on our Bloodline of singing rap writing music even dance. We miss you but haven't forgotten you dear Cuz. I love reading the wonderful comments made by the many people all over the globe who love you. Also, tell my granddaddy Flynn, your Unc, that I love him. Rest Easy Cuzn Gil.
@1993patos
related?
@tonys9796
TheeLadyK 🙏✊
@fatihahsunni-ali3312
TheeLadyK he was my Godfather...my dad was Spirit of The Midnight Band
@MsFrancois1
Those handclaps! That choir, it's all beautiful
@Deedee-ee1sg
Incredible song from a great artist. Immense. I love everything about this track, the voice, the handclaps, the vibe and the message.
@lindsaysmith2401
Exactly.
@BrentJatko
RIP......hope the kids can carry your weight.
@Serknox
Truly inspiring person, music, poetry. Rest in peace, Gil Scott-Heron.