New York
Cat Power Lyrics


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Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it
New York, New York
These vagabond shoes
Are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it
New York, New York

I wanna wake up in a city
That doesn't sleep
To find I'm queen of the crowd
On top of the heap

These little-town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it
Old New York
If I can make it there
I'll make it anywhere
New York




It's up to you
New York

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Cat Power's song New York showcase the way the city has captivated the imagination of people around the world. She opens by declaring that she is leaving and wants to be a part of the city that is widely known as one of the most diverse and exciting places. The phrase "These vagabond shoes are longing to stray, right through the very heart of it" is a clear indication of her passionate desire to be in New York City. Through this statement, it's clear that she is seeking fulfilment, freedom, and self-expression that only the city can offer.


The lyrics go on to describe the nature of New York as a city that doesn't sleep, where every second counts and everyone is hustling to make it to the top. Cat Power talks about her yearning to be on top of the crowd and "make a brand new start". She recognizes that the city is tough, but if she can make it in New York, she can make it anywhere. It suggests that New York is the ultimate test, where one's grit and determination are put to the test.


Line by Line Meaning

Start spreading the news
Announcing that she is leaving and that news of her leaving should be spread


I'm leaving today
Emphasizing that she is leaving on the same day as she is announcing this


I want to be a part of it
Expressing a desire to be immersed in the culture and lifestyle of New York City


New York, New York
Repeating the name of the city, emphasizing the importance of New York to her


These vagabond shoes
Referring to her own shoes, symbolizing her need to wander and explore


Are longing to stray
Her shoes represent her own desire to stray from her current path and explore the city


Right through the very heart of it
Desiring to experience the most vibrant and exciting parts of the city


New York, New York
Repeating the name of the city, emphasizing its importance again


I wanna wake up in a city
Stating a specific desire to wake up in a particular kind of city


That doesn't sleep
Desiring a city that is always alive and always going


To find I'm queen of the crowd
Wishing to become a popular and well-known figure in the city


On top of the heap
Wanting to be the very best and most successful person in her field


These little-town blues
Referring to any negative feelings or anxieties she has about leaving her current town


Are melting away
Expressing the hope that these negative feelings will disappear


I'll make a brand new start of it
Looking forward to a fresh start in a new city


Old New York
Referring to the classic and historical side of New York City


If I can make it there
Implying that New York is the ultimate test of her ability to succeed


I'll make it anywhere
If she can succeed in New York, she can succeed anywhere


New York
Repeating the name of the city one last time


It's up to you
Appealing to the city itself to provide opportunities for her to succeed


New York
Repeating the name of the city one final time, while emphasizing her reliance on it for success




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Fred Ebb, John Kander

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@jam00ra

Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it
New York, New York
These vagabond shoes
Are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it
New York, New York

I wanna wake up in a city
That doesn't sleep
To find I'm queen of the crowd
On top of the heap

These little-town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it
Old New York
If I can make it there
I'll make it anywhere
New York
It's up to you
New York



@lmg6845

Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it
New York, New York

These vagabond shoes
Are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it
New York, New York

I wanna wake up in a city
That doesn't sleep
To find I'm queen of the crowd
On top of the heap

These little-town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it
Old New York

If I can make it there
I'll make it anywhere
New York

It's up to you
New York



All comments from YouTube:

@patrickduffy8632

I was rewatching Blue Bloods and this was playing at the end of season 1 episode 1. And Iโ€™ve heard lots of Cat Power songs in the past like a long time ago but her voice is unmistakable. Love her

@brokedownsystem

this never gets old

@ichimori88

Need more songs like this!!! Can anyone recommend? Love the combo of electric guitar, piano, drum and the vibe.

@complimentarycontemplation1873

Too close for comfort by Jamie cullum. Scroll down a few songs and look for YouTube recommendations. Sometimes it catches on to what you want and you might get lucky

Bill

@mrjakemartino7324

Aimee Mann's album Lost In Space is like this but more mellow

@TheTruthFadeswithTime28

Red by Santino le saint

@brianbrandt153

Absolutely brilliant! And killer drum sound

@ShombayChase

Person of Interest. Glad I found it here. Miss the show. I wish they would revive it.

@ibeg4sushi

Iโ€™m rewatching it now on Netflix. Still as great as ever.

@MaximilianH

The man in the suit.

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