New York City
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.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah the doctors don't know, but New York was killing me
The medical professionals are baffled by my condition, yet the overwhelming pressure and energy of New York City are draining my spirit.
Bunch of doctors coming 'round, they don't know
Despite the numerous medical experts examining me, they fail to grasp the emotional and mental toll that the city imposes.
That New York is killing me
The fast-paced, relentless lifestyle of New York City is taking a severe toll on my well-being.
Yeah well I need to go home and take it slow in Jackson, Tennessee
I yearn to return to a simpler, more peaceful life in Jackson, Tennessee, where I can find solace.
Let me tell ya city ain't living all
I want to emphasize that urban life isn't as fulfilling or glamorous as often portrayed.
It's cracked up to be
The reality of city life doesn't match the grand expectations society places upon it.
Fast city living ain't all
The hustle and bustle of city life is not as great as it's made out to be.
It's cracked up to be
People often underestimate the challenges that come with living in such a hectic environment.
Yeah seem I need to go home
It appears that returning to my roots is essential for my peace of mind.
And slow down in Jackson, Tennessee
I long for a slower pace of life in Jackson, where I can recharge.
Yes I lay down, I lay down
I find myself collapsing, overwhelmed by the pressures around me.
The doctor, try to take it all in
The physician attempts to understand the full extent of my struggles.
Yeah lay down, lay down
I continue to succumb to the heavy weight of my reality.
To try to take it all in
I am desperately trying to comprehend the chaos swirling around me.
(Take it all in)
This is a plea to fully acknowledge my emotional and physical state.
Yeah you got eight million people
New York is densely populated, teeming with millions of individuals.
And I didn't have a single friend
Despite the crowd, I feel profoundly isolated and alone.
Don't you know, don't you know
It's hard to believe how disconnected one can feel in such a bustling metropolis.
New York was killing me
The city’s demands and lack of emotional connection are suffocating me.
Yes, I was standing nearly dying here
I feel like I'm on the brink of collapse, suffocated by the city's intensity.
New York was killing me
The relentless environment of New York is detrimental to my health and happiness.
Seems like I need to start over
I realize that I must reset my life to reclaim my well-being.
And go back home to Jackson, Tennessee
Returning to Jackson feels like the necessary step for healing and rejuvenation.
Lord have mercy, mercy on me
I call out for compassion and relief from my suffering.
Yeah Lord have mercy, have mercy on me
I plead for divine intervention to alleviate my pain.
Tell him to bury my body back home in Jackson, Tennessee
I wish for my final resting place to be in the comforting familiarity of Jackson, reflecting my deep connection to home.
Yeah Lord have mercy, have mercy on me
Once again, I seek solace and understanding in my time of distress.
Yeah I need to be back home, need to be back home
The urgency of returning to my true home grows stronger as I feel lost in this city.
Need to be back home, need to be back home yeah
I can't shake the feeling that I must return to where I truly belong.
Born in Chicago but I go home Tennessee
Although my origins are in Chicago, my heart longs for the peace of Tennessee.
Yeah I born in Chicago but I
My identity is influenced by my birthplace, yet my soul longs for a different place.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Gil Scott-Heron
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@fee8660
One of the greatest minds of the 20th century
@deerock91cobbs70
I'm from Chicago but I Love NYC for alot of Reasons. Mainly cause it's the City of BRIGHT LIGHTS and Times Square and it has Great History. And It's where Hip Hop started. In The South Bronx.
@brandonlara5375
Gil Scott showing his love for the NYC, while he reminds us that "We Almost Lost Detroit". Man knew how to paint a picture with words and music like no other. Will truly be missed, RIP, probably upstairs ruffling feathers!!! Salute and Respect!!!!!
@DJBULENTA
This song is amazing ❤
@keyc505
Why doesn't this song have more views?? This is a classic
@royjames2005
Gives me goosebumps every time I come back to it.
@YuriGee718
Ah New York, I met you in 1995 and I fell in love with you. I was resistant at first but the more time we spent together the stronger we bonded. You were so big and intimidating. I grew to understand you and you helped mold me into the man I am today. Then you changed and I still love you but I like to remember the "first date"
@LionRock08
pure unadulterated talent respect to Brian Jackson. RIP dear Mr Heron
@ed32bj
Might as well call this the The theme of New York City...perfectly captures new york city 1976 or 2022 miss u in bunches brother Gil ✊❤🎉🔥🌹🎶💥
@rickreese7675
This song is about the real New York City. The ups & downs, the trials and tribulations of life here in the Big Apple, Gil Scott telling it like it is ( Howard Cosell )but the words are the truth. Once again my brother thank you for feeling and telling it like it really is.