Empire State of Mind
Alicia Keys feat. Raekwon CNN & Styles P Lyrics

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Ooh, New York
Ooh, 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 could make it here
I could make it anywhere
That's what they say
Seeing my face in lights
Or my name in marquees
Found down on Broadway

Even if it ain't all it seems
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
The big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York, New York, New York

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
Someone sleeps tonight with a hunger
For more than from an empty fridge

I'm going to 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
The big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York, New York, New York

One hand in the air for the big city
Street lights, big dreams, all looking pretty
No place in the world that could compare
Put your lighters in the air
Everybody say 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

The big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York

Overall Meaning

This song is an ode to New York, as seen through the eyes of Alicia Keys, who grew up in a town known for its movie scenes, but without the noise, sirens, and hustle and bustle of the city. She sings about how in New York, anything is possible, and how the city's energy can inspire you to achieve your dreams. She also acknowledges the harsh reality of life in the city, with people selling drugs on corners and some going hungry, but despite that, she still believes that anything is possible in the Big Apple. The chorus of the song repeatedly declares that New York is a place where dreams are made of and that there's nothing you can't do.

Line by Line Meaning

Ooh, New York
Expressing excitement for New York City

Grew up in a town That is famous as a place of movie scenes
Referring to her upbringing in a town with a reputation for memorable movie locations

Noise is always loud There are sirens all around And the streets are mean
Describing the loud and chaotic environment of the city streets

If I could make it here I could make it anywhere That's what they say
Noting the iconic status of achieving success in New York City

Seeing my face in lights Or my name in marquees Found down on Broadway
Dreaming of fame and recognition on the grand Broadway stage

Even if it ain't all it seems I got a pocketful of dreams
Acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices that come with pursuing one's dreams

Baby, I'm from New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of
Emphasizing the unique and exciting nature of New York City as a place for ambitious individuals to pursue their dreams

There's nothing you can't do Now you're in New York
Encouraging others to embrace the limitless potential of the city and seize opportunities available to them

These streets will make you feel brand new The big lights will inspire you Hear it for New York, New York, New York
Exalting the transformative power of experiencing the city's bustling streets and the inspiration found in its grand lights and sights

On the avenue There ain't never a curfew Ladies work so hard
Observing the non-stop work ethic of the city's inhabitants, particularly women

Such a melting pot On the corner selling rock Preachers pray to God Hail a gypsy cab
Describing the diversity and eclectic mix of cultures and characters found on the city streets

Takes me down from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge Someone sleeps tonight with a hunger For more than from an empty fridge
Referencing the city's bustling transportation system and acknowledging the struggles of those facing poverty and hunger

I'm going to make it by any means I got a pocketful of dreams
Reiterating the determination to succeed and the importance of holding onto one's ambitions

One hand in the air for the big city Street lights, big dreams, all looking pretty No place in the world that could compare Put your lighters in the air Everybody say yeah, yeah
Celebrating the grandeur and uniqueness of the city and its unparalleled potential for success

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 The big lights will inspire you Hear it for New York
The chorus, repeating the theme of the city being a place for limitless opportunity, transformative experiences, and unparalleled inspiration

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., GLOBAL TALENT MUSIC PUB INC
Written by: ALEXANDER WILLIAM SHUCKBURGH, SHAWN CARTER, BERT KEYES, SYLVIA ROBINSON, ANGELA HUNTE, JANET ANDREA SEWELL, ALICIA AUGELLO COOK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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