New York City
Hank Green and John Green Lyrics


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Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it
New York, New York
These vagabond shoes are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it
New York, New York
I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep
And find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
These little town blues are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, New York, New York
New York, New York, New York
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps
And find I'm a number one, top of the list
These little town blues are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York




If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, New York, New York, New York

Overall Meaning

The song "New York City" by Hank Green and John Green is a tribute to the city of New York, a place where dreams are made and where the possibilities are endless. The lyrics start with the iconic line "Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today" which sets the tone for a journey of self-discovery and an opportunity to make it big in the big city. The lyrics express a desire for adventure and a longing to be part of the city's hustle and bustle. In particular, the lyrics emphasize the freedom of movement, where the vagabond shoes long to stray "right through the very heart of it". The song captures the essence of New York City's vibrant energy, challenging the singer to make a brand new start of it in old New York, despite any little town blues they may be carrying.


The lyrics of "New York City" are a celebration of the city's greatness and affirm the idea that if one can make it there, one can make it anywhere. This is a clear reference to the American Dream, where anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success if they work hard and pursue their dreams. The lyrics also touch on the idea of being on top of the world, where the singer desires to wake up in a city that never sleeps and find that they are "king of the hill, top of the heap". This speaks to the idea that in New York City, anything seems possible, and greatness is always within reach.


Line by Line Meaning

Start spreading the news
I'm excited to share that I'm leaving and starting a new chapter in my life.


I'm leaving today
I'm departing for my new adventure right now, without delay.


I want to be a part of it
I want to fully immerse myself in the culture and energy of New York City.


New York, New York
The city that never sleeps, that is where I'm headed to fulfill my dreams.


These vagabond shoes are longing to stray
My wandering spirit is eager to explore and experience everything that New York has to offer.


Right through the very heart of it
I want to delve deep into the vibrant heart and soul of New York City.


I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep
I want to reside in a bustling metropolis that is always alive and never dull.


And find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
I want to succeed and thrive amidst the competition in New York City and rise to the top.


These little town blues are melting away
The mundane routines and familiarity of small-town life are fading as I embrace the excitement and opportunities of New York City.


I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
I will begin a new phase of my life in a city with rich history and tradition.


If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
New York City is renowned for its excellence and success, so if I can thrive here, I can thrive anywhere.


It's up to you, New York, New York
The city's success depends on its residents, and I am ready to contribute to its greatness.


New York, New York, New York
I can't wait to begin my journey in New York City and make the city a three times better place.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL JOHN MONTGOMERY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

turdl38

When he's not overly excited about football goals or whatever and it's actually semi in his key, John can actually sing reasonably well, in my opinion.

Braden M.

honestly! hank tells him in a future podcast episode of dh&j (ep.16) that he was off key in this performance - but honestly except for a few nervous pitch swings he might have been more on key than hank! - his problem? he has 0 sense of rhythm lol. but we love him anyway

Siyestrietza

I guess they were HEAVILY influenced by TMBG, because both their voices sound a lot like the vocalists in that bad.

Zoe Alexa

I’m so happy! The green brothers plus they Might Be Giants ❤️

Mister Apple

Some of my favourite things.

Zach Payne

Yes. They definitely need an itunes version. This night introduced me to so much great music :D

incongruent interrobangs

Why must I blush when I hear hanks voice , my teacher played this (she's a nerdfighter) and I just started blushing madly and giggling

tree

and you're not a nerd fighter?! 

incongruent interrobangs

dillan persaud no I am a nerdfighter

VASHTI PERSAUD

strange charm yay! *me and him r the same person I was logged on his account. You lucky! I wish my teachers were nerdfighters.

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