New York's Alright If You Like Saxophones
Fear Lyrics


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New York's alright, New York's alright
New York's alright if you like saxophones

New York's alright if you wanna get pushed in front of the subway
New York's alright if you like tebirculosis
New York's alright if you like art and jazz
New York's alright if you're a homosexual
New york's alright, New York's alright
New York's alright if you like saxophones

New York's alright if you like drunks in your doorway
New York's alright if you wanna freeze to death
New York's alright if you wanna get mugged or murdered
New York's alright if you like saxophones





New York's alright, New York's alright
New York's alright if you like saxophones

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Fear's song 'New York's Alright If You Like Saxophones' are some of the band's most iconic and infamous lyrics. This song was released in 1982 and presented a vivid and often stark view of New York City's gritty reality. Throughout the song, the chorus repeats the line "New York's alright if you like saxophones," which is a nod to the city's vibrant jazz scene.


The verses, however, paint a much different picture of New York City. The song touches on topics such as the risk of being pushed in front of a subway, the prevalence of tuberculosis, homelessness, and crime. The line "New York's alright if you're a homosexual" shows that the songwriters were addressing the city's LGBTQ+ community at a time when acceptance and tolerance were still being fought for.


The song captures the complex and often contradictory nature of New York City: a place where creativity and cultural vitality thrives alongside poverty, violence, and disease. By highlighting these stark realities, Fear critiques the myth of the American Dream and modern capitalist society.


Line by Line Meaning

New York's alright, New York's alright
New York is acceptable or satisfactory, it may not be perfect but it's bearable and tolerable.


New York's alright if you wanna get pushed in front of the subway
New York is okay if you have a desire or inclination to be pushed in front of the train while waiting on the subway platform.


New York's alright if you like tebirculosis
New York is suitable or appropriate for individuals who have an interest or preference for tuberculosis.


New York's alright if you like art and jazz
New York is good enough if you appreciate and enjoy art as well as jazz music.


New York's alright if you're a homosexual
New York is fine if you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or have same-sex attraction.


New York's alright if you like drunks in your doorway
New York is acceptable if you don't mind or rather enjoy drunk individuals loitering in front of your doorstep.


New York's alright if you wanna freeze to death
New York is tolerable if you're comfortable with the possibility of dying due to extreme cold weather conditions.


New York's alright if you wanna get mugged or murdered
New York is bearable if you have a preference or desire for being robbed or killed.


New York's alright if you like saxophones
New York is satisfactory if you appreciate or enjoy the sound of saxophones.


New York's alright, New York's alright
New York is still acceptable, even after the previous mentioned negative aspects.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: VING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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