Autumn in New York
Billy Holiday Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's time to end my holiday and bid the country a hasty farewell.
So on this gray and melancholy day, I'll move to a Manhattan hotel.
I'll dispose of my rose-colored chattels and prepare for my share of adventures and battles,
Here on the twenty-seventh floor looking down on the city I hate and adore!
Autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting?

Autumn in New York, it spells the thrill of first-nighting.
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds in canyons of steel, they're making me feel I'm home.
It's autumn in New York that brings the promise of new love.

Autumn in New
York is often mingled with pain.
Dreamers with empty hands may sigh for exotic lands,




It's autumn in New York,
It's good to live again.

Overall Meaning

The song "Autumn in New York" by Billy Holiday is a nostalgic and introspective ode to the city of New York. The song's protagonist is preparing to leave the countryside and move into a Manhattan hotel, ready to take on new adventures and battles. From her perch on the twenty-seventh floor, she looks down on the city she both hates and adores. The beauty of the autumn season in New York is both inviting and haunting, as it brings the thrill of first-nighting and the promise of new love. But for some dreamers with empty hands, the season is often mingled with pain and a sense of longing for exotic lands. Still, despite the bittersweet emotions that accompany autumn in New York, it's a season that makes it good to live again.


The lyrics to "Autumn in New York" are rich in imagery and symbolism, evoking the contradictions inherent in living in a bustling city full of both beauty and struggle. The references to canyons of steel, shimmering clouds, and glittering crowds bring to mind the excitement and vibrancy of New York, while the singer's conflicting feelings towards the city convey a sense of complexity and nuance. The line "here on the twenty-seventh floor looking down on the city I hate and adore" perfectly encapsulates the complicated love-hate relationship that many New Yorkers have with their home.


Line by Line Meaning

It's time to end my holiday and bid the country a hasty farewell.
I must leave the peaceful countryside and return to the chaotic city.


So on this gray and melancholy day, I'll move to a Manhattan hotel.
Today, I'm feeling sad as I leave my serene surroundings to check in at a hotel in the bustling city.


I'll dispose of my rose-colored chattels and prepare for my share of adventures and battles,
I'll let go of my unrealistic expectations and get ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.


Here on the twenty-seventh floor looking down on the city I hate and adore!
From my high vantage point, I can't help but simultaneously love and despise the cityscape below.


Autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting?
There's something about the autumn season in New York that draws me in, but I can't quite explain why.


Autumn in New York, it spells the thrill of first-nighting.
The excitement of exploring a new city and all its potential adventures is palpable during autumn in New York.


Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds in canyons of steel, they're making me feel I'm home.
The busy, sparkling city crowds and high-rise buildings create a sense of belonging for me, despite the chaos.


It's autumn in New York that brings the promise of new love.
The season of autumn in New York is full of romantic promise and possibilities for finding new love.


Autumn in New York is often mingled with pain.
Despite the excitement and beauty of the season, there can be a pervasive sense of sadness or hurt in autumn in New York.


Dreamers with empty hands may sigh for exotic lands,
Those without much in life may long for far-off destinations and greener pastures.


It's autumn in New York, it's good to live again.
Despite the hardships and melancholy, being back in bustling New York during the colorful autumn season brings a renewed sense of vigor and life.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: VERNON DUKE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

beaglybeagle

This is my favorite version of this song, because it is so poignant, and I can "feel" and remember what Manhattan is like in the fall. Beautiful imagery accompanied this video...thank you!

David Gargiulo

In spite of her voice not being in its prime, I still find the sound of it downright charming and warm. Thanks for sharing this whomever this is from. This age should be hearing more of her music.

CM Kilcullen

Breaks and warms my heart at once.

spacey

I remember my bro burned this onto a disc with a few other songs back in 06. Hes gone now, but every time I hear this song I cant help but think about the memories we had with this song playing in the background. Thanks bro for introducing me to some great music.

Paul Taylor

Absolutely beautiful RIP Billy Holliday

Mike Fraser

Beautiful song and an excellent rendition by the great Billie Holiday.

xavierdh2000

Mike Fraser I think so too

Cinemeleon

So poignant but undeniably beautiful

Margaret Hall

I really enjoy the way Billie Holiday sings it.

72vince27

What a voice, baby what a voice!

More Comments

More Versions