Empire State Of Mind
Amanda Kamara Lyrics


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Ooooh, New York!
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
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
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 Yooork!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Amanda Kamara's song, Empire State Of Mind, captures the essence of the city of New York. Kamara, who grew up in a town familiar with loud noises and sirens, uses the song to describe how New York is a city filled with amazing opportunities, regardless of a person's background. The first verse notes that the city may not be what it seems, but Kamara sees it as a place where she can make her dreams come true. While she acknowledges the streets are mean and loud, the city has inspired her to continue chasing her dreams. The chorus emphasizes this sentiment by stating that New York is a concrete jungle where dreams are made of and that there's nothing one cannot achieve in the city.


In the second verse, Kamara describes the city's rich cultural mix, with people from different backgrounds hustling to make ends meet. She details a gypsy cab ride from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge, highlighting the opportunities available to anyone who wants to succeed in the city. The hunger and desperation in some people's lives motivate Kamara to pursue her dreams relentlessly, as she mentions in the chorus that she would make it in the city by any means possible, carrying "a pocketful of dreams."


Line by Line Meaning

Ooooh, New York!
Excitement and amazement for the city of 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
Growing up in a busy town with difficulty, but working hard to make it big. Hoping to one day be notable and successful 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 Big lights will inspire you Hear it for New York, New York, New Yooork!
Despite difficulties faced, she holds on to her dreams and finds hope in the city of New York. Anything is possible in this city that motivates its residents.


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
New York City never sleeps, with everyone from different walks of life working hard and pursuing their dreams. Taxis are abundant, and some people go to bed hungry, dreaming of a better life in the big city.


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!
Despite the obstacles, she will do whatever it takes to achieve her dreams in the city of hope and opportunity. The streets and bright lights of New York inspire and encourage her to persevere and succeed.


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 Yooork!
Celebrating the city of New York, its beautiful scenery and the big dreams it represents. No other place compares to the energy and possibilities of this great metropolitan area. Let's show our excitement and admiration for New York City!




Contributed by Nicholas R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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