New York
Cat Power Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
@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
@patrickduffy8632
I was rewatching Blue Bloods and this was playing at the end of season 1 episode 1. And Iโve 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
Iโm rewatching it now on Netflix. Still as great as ever.
@MaximilianH
The man in the suit.