New York City
David Bowie and Marc Bolan Lyrics

The opening lyrics of "New York City" by David Bowie and Marc Bolan evoke a vivid and somewhat whimsical image of a woman emerging from the bustling city streets with an unexpected companion—a frog in her hand. The mention of New York City immediately sets the stage for a narrative that is vibrant, eclectic, and perhaps a bit eccentric. The act of carrying a frog in her hand adds an element of surprise and intrigue to the scene, challenging the listener's expectations and inviting them to delve deeper into the lyrical journey.

The repetition of the initial verse further emphasizes the woman's unusual choice of companion and suggests that this sight is not merely a fleeting anomaly but a recurring occurrence. The rhetorical question posed by the lyrics, "Did you ever see a woman Coming out of New York City With a frog in her hand," creates a sense of shared curiosity and wonderment, as if the singer is addressing the listener directly and inviting them to ponder the mystery of this enigmatic figure and her amphibian companion.

The refrain, "I did don't you know, And don't it show," introduces a sense of self-assuredness and knowingness on the part of the singer. By claiming to have witnessed this unconventional sight multiple times, the singer positions themselves as a reliable observer and interpreter of the city's quirks and idiosyncrasies. The repetition of this refrain serves to reinforce the singer's confidence in their own experiences and perceptions, while also hinting at the possibility of deeper layers of meaning and symbolism beneath the seemingly whimsical surface of the lyrics.

Overall, the lyrics of "New York City" create a rich tapestry of imagery and suggestion, inviting the listener to explore themes of urban life, individuality, and the unexpected intersections of the mundane and the surreal. Through its evocative language and playful tone, the song captures the essence of New York City as a place of endless fascination and limitless possibilities, where the ordinary can suddenly give way to the extraordinary, and where the most unconventional sights and sounds are often the ones that leave the deepest impression on our hearts and minds.