Duke Ellington and his Orchestra is perhaps the greatest of all Jazz bands.… Read Full Bio ↴Duke Ellington and his Orchestra is perhaps the greatest of all Jazz bands. The group stayed together for over fifty years and recorded and wrote some of America's greatest music. The band started in New York City under name of the Washingtonians in 1923, they then briefly became known as Duke Ellington and his Kentucky Club Orchestra, then as Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club Orchestra from 1927 to 1930. It was through weekly radio broadcasts from the Cotton Club that the orchestra gained nationwide exposure and became famous. After 1931 the band was billed as Duke Ellington and his Orchestra.

New York New York
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra Lyrics

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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
Theyre making me feel - Im home

Its autumn in new york
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in new york
Is often mingled with pain

Dreamers with empty hands
They sigh for exotic lands

Its autumn in new york
Its good to live it again

[louis]
Autumn in new york
The gleaming rooftops at sundown
Oh, autumn in new york
It lifts you up when you run down

Yes, jaded rou‚s and gay divorc‚es
Who lunch at the ritz
Will tell you that its divine

This autumn in new york
Transforms the slums into mayfair
Oh, autumn in new york
Youll need no castles in spain

Yes, lovers that bless the dark
On the benches in central park
Greet autumn in new york
Its good to live it again

[trumpet solo]

[ella]
Autumn in new york
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in new york
Is often mingled with pain

Dreamers with empty hands
They sigh for exotic lands

Its autumn in new york
Its good to live it again

Overall Meaning

The song "Autumn in New York" by Duke Ellington begins with an expression of fascination with the city of New York in the fall season. The singer is drawn in by the allure of the city and the promise of new experiences. The lyrics describe how the glittering crowds, shimmering clouds and towering steel canyons make the singer feel as though they are home. The arrival of autumn in New York City represents new beginnings and the chance for love. However, this is juxtaposed with the reality that the season is often mingled with pain for those who have nothing and yearn for "exotic lands".

The song goes on to describe how Autumn in New York transforms the city's slums into Mayfair and how those who have lost all hope can be reinvigorated by the refreshing feeling of autumn in the city. The lyrics reflect on how the city has its share of jaded roués and gay divorcees who have their lunch at the Ritz but still recognize the magic of Autumn in New York. The final lines of the song are sung by Ella Fitzgerald, describing how the dreamers with empty hands, still sigh for exotic lands. However, the arrival of autumn in New York is a reminder that it is good to live again.

New York New YorkDuke Ellington & His Orchestra Lyrics

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New York New York
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra Lyrics