Jamie has reworked thirteen tracks of "I'm New Here", to create "We're New Here" (21 Feb '11, XL & Young Turks). The first fruit of the collaboration was "NY Is Killing Me" (29 Nov 2010, XL).
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NY is Killing Me
Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you, don't you, don't you
Don't you know
Killing me
Fast city living ain't all
It's cracked up to be
Lord have mercy mercy on me
New York is killing
New York is killing
New York is killing me
Don't you, don't you, don't you
Don't you know
Killing me
Don't you, don't you, don't you
Don't you
Killing
Fast city living ain't all
It's cracked up to be
Lord have mercy
Mercy on me
New York is killing new York is killing
New York is killing me
Don't you know
New York is killing
Killing me
Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx's song "NY Is Killing Me" is a commentary on the fast-paced and intense lifestyle of New York City. The repeated phrase "New York is killing me" reflects the overwhelm and exhaustion of living in such a demanding city. The lyrics speak to the idea that the idea of New York being the ultimate city can be misleading and that the harsh realities of the city can become unbearable.
The lyrics suggest that the fast city living is not all it is "cracked up to be" and that it is difficult to keep up with the pace of the city which can have harmful effects on one's mental and physical health. The song speaks to the need for mercy and respite from the intense environment of New York. Despite the challenges, the song also suggests that there is a resilience in the face of the challenges of the city - the singer has not been defeated yet and continues to endure.
Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the challenges of urban life and how it can take a toll on those trying to keep up with the pace. The lyrics suggest that while New York may be exciting and alluring, it can also be a dangerous and difficult place to live.
Line by Line Meaning
New York is killing me
The intense, fast-paced lifestyle in New York is causing unbearable emotional and physical pain.
Don't you, don't you, don't you
The repetition of this phrase implies a desperate plea for understanding from the listener.
Don't you know
The singer is suggesting that the listener should already be aware of the negative effects of living in New York.
Killing me
The artist reiterates the personal harm and suffering caused by life in New York.
Fast city living ain't all
The artist acknowledges that the glamour associated with city life is not the full picture; there are many downsides.
It's cracked up to be
The commonly held belief that living in New York is ideal or desirable is actually misguided.
Lord have mercy mercy on me
The singer is offering a prayer for mercy from the struggles of living in New York.
New York is killing
Reinforcement of the idea that New York is harmful, and even deadly.
Don't you know
The same pleading phrase, indicating frustration or exasperation with the listener's lack of acknowledgement or empathy.
Killing me
The final plea for the listener's attention, reaffirming the immense personal cost of living in New York.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GIL SCOTT HERON, JAMES THOMAS SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@milanuncios2626
after 10 years, listening to this song during a global crisis.
sublime.
@zapakguy1991
The crisis has worsened.
@aisyataher8936
greetings from 2020, it's so heartbroken
@milanuncios2626
2020 just keeps surprising me, like two months ago i would’ve have never predicted all of this wtf
@Hunne2303
08/2020 - alien invasion
@kiqyou
this
@JCMFCalderon
Here 8 years later and this still giving me the chills
@phantaskitten
same
@dominicviner6619
Gonna be my boxing walkout lollllll
@Dr.OrestLaver
And even now, though I'm from Ukraine