In the City
Eagles- Lyrics

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Somewhere out on that horizon
Out beyond the neon lights
I know there must be somethin' better
But there's nowhere else in sight
It's survival in the city
When you live from day to day
City streets don't have much pity
When you're down, that's where you'll stay

In the city (oh, oh)
(Ooh)
In the city
(Oh, oh)

I was born here in the city
With my back against the wall
Nothing grows and life ain't very pretty
No one's there to catch you when you fall
Somewhere out on that horizon
Far away from the neon sky
I know there must be somethin' better
And I can't stay another night

In the city (oh, oh)
(Ooh, ooh)
In the city
(Oh, oh)

In the city

In the city
In the city (oh, oh)

Overall Meaning

The Eagles' song "In the City" laments the harshness of life in the city, where the neon lights and city streets offer little comfort or reprieve. The song reflects the feelings of hopelessness and desperation commonly felt by those living in inner cities, where poverty, crime, and despair make it difficult to escape the cycle of poverty and find a better life.

The lyrics of the song suggest that the singer, who was born in the city, feels trapped and hopeless, unable to escape the bleak reality of his life. The lyrics describe how it's "survival in the city" and how "city streets don't have much pity." The singer longs for something better, somewhere out beyond the neon lights, where life is more beautiful and peaceful.

Despite the dark tone of the lyrics, the music itself is upbeat and energetic, with powerful guitar riffs and driving drums. The song's catchy melody and powerful vocals make it an anthem for anyone struggling to overcome the challenges of city life and find hope for a better future.

Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere out on that horizon
Looking out to the future with hopes for better things

Out beyond the neon lights
Beyond the glitz and glamour of city life

I know there must be somethin' better
Believing there is a better life out there

But there's nowhere else in sight
There seems to be no other options available

It's survival in the city
Living in the city is a challenge

When you live from day to day
Trying to survive one day at a time

City streets don't have much pity
The city can be harsh and unforgiving

When you're down, that's where you'll stay
It's hard to get back up when you fall in the city

I was born here in the city
Being a product of city life

With my back against the wall
Feeling trapped and helpless

Nothing grows and life ain't very pretty
Life in the city can be tough with little opportunity