Autumn in New York
Frank Sinatra 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-knighting

Shimmering crowds and glittering clouds
In canyons of steel
They're making me feel
I'm home

Yes, it's autumn in New York
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in New York
Is often mingled with pain

Lovers with empty hands
Oh, for exotic lands
It's autumn in New York





It's good to live it again
In New York

Overall Meaning

Frank Sinatra's song 'Autumn in New York' is a nostalgic ode to the season of autumn in the bustling city of New York. The song begins with a question, "Why does it seem so inviting?", which sets the tone of the song as one of wonder and excitement. The lyrics go on to describe the appeal of autumn in the city, with its "glittering crowds and shimmering clouds" against the backdrop of towering steel buildings that feel like home.


The song's chorus emphasizes the romantic potential of autumn in New York, with its promise of new love mingled with the pain of lost love. The lyrics present a picture of dreamers with empty hands who long for adventure in exotic lands, but find solace in the familiar surroundings of the city. Sinatra paints a vivid picture of fall in New York, transforming the city's slums into Mayfair and depicting lovers embracing on park benches. Overall, the song speaks to the universal appeal of the autumn season, and the beauty of finding familiarity and love in even the most bustling of cities.


Line by Line Meaning

Autumn in New York
The beginning of the song sets the scene for the rest of the lyrics; the singer is referring to a specific time in New York City.


Why does it seem so inviting
The singer is curious as to why the fall season in New York is so alluring and has the power to entice so many people.


Autumn in New York
Again, the singer repeats the title of the song as a way to emphasize the significance of this season in the city.


It spells the thrill of first-knighting
The use of the phrase 'first-knighting' is a play on words that means the excitement of beginning a new relationship, which is a common occurrence during the fall season in the city.


Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
The sleek, modern architecture that dominates NYC gives the impression of being glamorous and sophisticated. The bright lights and darkness of the buildings make the singer feel as if he is at home in the city.


In canyons of steel
The towering buildings and bustling streets of the city give the impression of being in a canyon.


They're making me feel, I'm home
Despite the hectic nature of the city, the singer still finds comfort in the surroundings and feels as though he's at home.


It's autumn in New York
The change in season is often associated with the start of something new, including relationships, and the singer feels optimistic about the opportunities ahead.


That brings the promise of new love
As previously stated, autumn in the city often leads to the beginning of new romantic relationships, and the singer is anticipating the possibility of something new in his life.


Is often mingled with pain
However, the thrill of beginning something new is often accompanied by the possibility of heartbreak, which is also a common occurrence during the fall season.


Dreamers with empty hands
The singer refers to people who long for the beauty of far-off places and a life different from their own, but lack the resources to make their dreams a reality.


They sigh for exotic lands
These dreamers long to escape the mundane and monotonous routines of their everyday lives and dream of far-off lands that are more exciting and exotic.


It's autumn in New York
The singer reiterates the significance of the season in the city and the opportunities it brings.


It's good to live it again
The singer is grateful for the chance to experience autumn in the city once again and take advantage of the things it has to offer.


This autumn in New York
The singer is referring to a specific year and season of autumn in the city when these events were taking place.


Transforms the slums into Mayfair
The beauty of the autumn season in the city can make even the most run-down areas appear more sophisticated and elegant, as if they were part of a high-end neighborhood like Mayfair in London.


You'll need no castles in Spain
Even though one may dream of traveling and visiting exotic locations like castles in Spain, the beauty of autumn in the city can be just as fulfilling and satisfying.


Lovers that bless the dark
The darker, more intimate corners of the city, such as benches in Central Park, offer a sense of romance and opportunity for lovers to connect on a deeper level.


On benches in Central Park
Central Park is an iconic location in the city and perfectly embodies the natural beauty of the season, making it a popular spot for lovers and a source of inspiration for the singer.


It's autumn in New York
The singer once again highlights the importance of the season in the city.


It's good to live it again
The singer expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty of autumn in the city once again.




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Vernon Duke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Greyromande

Autumn in New York
Why does it seem so inviting
Autumn in New York
It spells the thrill of first-knighting
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
In canyons of steel
They're making me feel, I'm home
It's 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
It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again
This autumn in New York
Transforms the slums into Mayfair
Autumn in New York
You'll need no castles in Spain
Lovers that bless the dark
On benches in Central Park
It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again



All comments from YouTube:

@jerrymitchell77

I grew up with a view of the NYC skyline from my bedroom window. I took it and a lot of things for granted. Now when I hear this song I start to tear up. People come from all over the world to see what I got to see everyday. I love this song and I especially love Autumn here in the greatest city in the world.

@bobwatson1162

I hear you as a truck driver i got to see the greatest skyline in the U.S.A for free 4 or 5 times a week making my delivers in all five boroughs

@MarkBlackburnWPG

Thanks for your evocative memory of why you "start to tear up" when you hear this song. "People come from all over the world to see what I got to see every day . . . growing up."

@Grandtrunk

Having lived in NJ I really appreciated NY

@crystalsola4555

@jett woodward Things will get better.. Be still and stay well💆‍♂️👌🙏😉

@jerrymitchell77

@jett woodward I lived in California for three years and all people talk about is going to New York.

9 More Replies...

@user-jj1bp3es3j

Never been in New York. Love it through Frank's songs.

@marxter6

Ya gotta go and experience NYC!

@jeffhawkins1293

A beautiful city, absolutely loved it. I will have very special memories of autumn in NY. That's from a romantic Brit

@RetroTony1959

Childhood memories of me and my brothers wrestling in the yard as my Dad and Uncles wee playing cards and drinking Scotch on the rocks and smoking cigars with this album playing on the console,grilling italian sausage and peppers. Sinatra,Dean Martin and Jerry Vale were big in our home.Great times in the early 60's. I can still smell the greasy hairdressing and remember their bowling shirts,dress slacks and spitshined shoes. That whole era and lifestyle has faded away. Too bad.

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