Empire State Of Mind
Alicia Keys攀 Lyrics
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Ooooh, New York!
Grew up in a town that is famous as a place of movie scenes
Noise is always loud, there are sirens all around and the streets are mean
If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere, that's what they say
Seeing my face in lights or my name in marquees found down on Broadway
Baby I'm from New York!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York!
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York, New York, New Yooork!
On the avenue, there ain't never a curfew, ladies work so hard
Such a melting pot, on the corner selling rock, preachers pray to God
Hail a gypsy cab, takes me down from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge
Some will sleep tonight with a hunger for more than an empty fridge
I'ma make it by any means, I got a pocketful of dreams
Baby I'm from New York!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York!
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York, New York, New Yooork!
One hand in the air for the big city
Street lights, big dreams, all looking pretty
No place in the world that can compare
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
In New York!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York!
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New Yooork!
Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" is an anthem to New York City, where the pop star was born and raised. In the song, Alicia describes her hometown as a "concrete jungle where dreams are made of," a line that encapsulates the grit and glamour of the city. She depicts New York as a place of endless possibility, where anyone who makes it there can make it anywhere. Alicia knows the city's streets can be tough and unrelenting, but she emphasizes that they are also inspiring and affirming, inviting listeners to celebrate the Big Apple's vibrant energy.
Alicia takes the listener on a tour of the city's neighborhoods and landmarks, mentioning Broadway, Harlem, and the Brooklyn Bridge. She highlights the diversity of New York's people, mentioning "ladies work so hard" and "preachers pray to God," and relishes the city's constant activity, telling us "on the avenue there ain't never a curfew." Overall, "Empire State of Mind" is a love letter to the city that never sleeps, encouraging listeners to believe in themselves and their dreams while embracing the chaos and beauty of New York City.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooooh, New York!
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm for the city of New York.
Grew up in a town that is famous as a place of movie scenes
Referring to a small town that is known for being featured in movies.
Noise is always loud, there are sirens all around and the streets are mean
Describing the chaotic and sometimes dangerous atmosphere of the city.
If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere, that's what they say
Alluding to the idea that success in New York City is a sign of one's capability to succeed anywhere.
Seeing my face in lights or my name in marquees found down on Broadway
Dreaming of becoming famous and successful in the entertainment industry.
Even if it ain't all it seems, I got a pocketful of dreams
Acknowledging that the city may not be perfect, but still optimistic about achieving personal aspirations.
Baby I'm from New York!
Emphasizing a sense of pride and identity as a New Yorker.
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
Describing the city as a place where one can pursue and fulfill their dreams.
There's nothing you can't do
Encouraging a mindset of limitless possibilities and opportunities in the city.
Now you're in New York!
Welcoming and inviting others to experience the city's energy and potential.
These streets will make you feel brand new
Noting the transformative and energizing effect the city and its atmosphere can have on an individual.
Big lights will inspire you
Suggesting that the grandeur and excitement of the city's lights can motivate and inspire one to pursue their goals.
Hear it for New York, New York, New Yooork!
Celebrating and cheering for the city of New York.
On the avenue, there ain't never a curfew, ladies work so hard
Commenting on the constant activity and work ethic of New Yorkers, particularly women.
Such a melting pot, on the corner selling rock, preachers pray to God
Describing the diverse array of people and activities found on the city's streets.
Hail a gypsy cab, takes me down from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge
Reference to taking a taxi from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge, highlighting the vastness and diversity of the city.
Some will sleep tonight with a hunger for more than an empty fridge
Noting that despite the city's opportunities, some still struggle with poverty and hunger.
I'ma make it by any means, I got a pocketful of dreams
Determined to succeed in the city through any means necessary, with a sense of hope and optimism.
One hand in the air for the big city
Raising a hand as a gesture of admiration and respect for the city.
Street lights, big dreams, all looking pretty
Describing the glamorous and exciting elements of the city's nightlife and opportunities.
No place in the world that can compare
Revering New York City as an unparalleled and incomparable destination.
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say yeah! yeah! yeah! yeah!
Encouraging a collective celebration and enthusiasm for the city.
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New Yooork!
Further celebrating and cheering for the city of New York.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALEXANDER WILLIAM SHUCKBURGH, SHAWN CARTER, ANGELA HUNTE, BERT KEYES, ALICIA KEYS, SYLVIAN ROBINSON, JANETTE SEWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind