Harlem River Drive
Harlem River Drive Lyrics
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To a bridge called GW
Several shades of living
From diamonds to mud
A gate way to the city
Just a few miles away
An Express way to the country
Where we all allowed to play
Harlem River Drive
Harlem River Drive
He
Harlem River Drive
Harlem River Drive
He
We see all kinds of people
Cruse along the drive
From big wig politicians
To those who have no lives
From garbage in the ghettos
To the doormen in the Heights
From Super cool hustlers
To the death Screams in the nights
Harlem River Drive
Harlem River Drive
He
Harlem River Drive
Harlem River Drive
He
Harlem River Drive
Harlem River Drive
He
Harlem River Drive
Harlem River Drive
He
"Harlem River Drive" by the band with the same name is a nod to the neighborhood in New York City. The lyrics of the song describe the range of experiences one may encounter while driving on the Harlem River Drive, which runs along the Harlem River and spans across uptown Manhattan. The opening line, "From 125th Street to a bridge called GW," highlights the length of the Drive, which covers over 4 miles in distance. The song notes the diversity of individuals seen on the Drive, from "big wig politicians" to "super cool hustlers." It acknowledges the economic disparities in the neighborhood, with lyrics like "From diamonds to mud" and "garbage in the ghettos."
The Harlem River Drive was completed in 1964, and its construction displaced many Black and Latino residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. The neighborhood along its path, also known as Harlem River Drive, has a rich history in Black and Latino culture. This location has been at the center of many influential cultural movements and was a hub for jazz music and the civil rights movement in the 1960s. The song "Harlem River Drive" can be seen as a reflection on the history and current state of the neighborhood.
Line by Line Meaning
From 125th Street
Starting from the neighborhood of Harlem, specifically the intersection of 125th Street and the Harlem River Drive.
To a bridge called GW
Continuing all the way to the George Washington Bridge that spans across the Hudson River.
Several shades of living
There are a wide variety of lifestyles and socio-economic classes represented along this roadway.
From diamonds to mud
People living in high-end luxury as well as those struggling in gritty, impoverished conditions.
A gate way to the city
The Harlem River Drive is a main thoroughfare that leads directly into the heart of New York City.
Just a few miles away
Despite being so close to the city, this area feels like a world apart in terms of its culture and community.
An Express way to the country
This road is also an easy connection to more rural areas outside the busy city limits.
Where we all allowed to play
The freedom to travel and explore different parts of the city and surrounding areas is a joyful experience for all who use this road.
We see all kinds of people
This roadway is a melting pot of diverse individuals and cultures.
Cruse along the drive
People travel along the Harlem River Drive for different reasons and at varying speeds.
From big wig politicians
Even powerful and influential members of society use this road to get around.
To those who have no lives
People from all walks of life and social standings are present along this drive, regardless of how busy or idle they may be.
From garbage in the ghettos
The poorer neighborhoods alongside the drive often have visible problems with waste and sanitation.
To the doormen in the heights
Meanwhile, higher-end residential areas employ doormen as a luxury service for their tenants.
From Super cool hustlers
Street hustlers and savvy businesspeople also make up a part of the community around this roadway.
To the death Screams in the nights
Unfortunately, the night can bring with it dangerous and violent incidents that are also part of the reality of this area.
Writer(s): Eddie Palmieri, Calvin Clash
Contributed by Abigail Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.