New York City
J.P. West Lyrics
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You know, a dime?
Say it, say it, say it sis
I'd sure like to have this little dime for me
So I can get this cup of coffee
Cop me a snack, somethin'
I guess I better quit tryin' to be hip and get on down
Yea man, like, you know
I was born in New York City on a Monday
It seems I was out shinin' shoes 'bout two to noon
All the fat cats, in the bad hats doing me a real big favor
Got the fat cats, in the bad hats laying it on real good
Here's a dime boy, give me a shine boy
When the cold wind comes, it live at New York City
And the street's no place to be but there you are
So you try hard, or you die hard
No one really gives a good damn
You try hard, and you die hard
No one gives a damn
Here's a dime boy, give me a shine boy
[Incomprehensible] in New York City
Ain't no way to be, but where can you go?
When you're down and out in New York City
I'm never, never, never gonna get that way again, ow
No, no, no
No, no, not me
When you need a friend [Incomprehensible]
When you want a friend
Gonna get myself together 'til the mornin'
Gonna leave it all and a one bad dream
All the fat cats, in the bad hats doing me a real big favor
Got the fat cats, in the bad hats, laying it on real good
Here's a dime boy, give me a shine boy, wow, ow, yeah
Give me a shine boy
The song "New York City" by J.P. West is a commentary on the struggles faced by those living in New York City. West starts by asking for a dime, illustrating the financial difficulties faced by many in the city, and then reflects on his own experience of being born in and growing up in New York City. West references shining shoes as a job he had as a child, which highlights the importance of work for survival in the city. He speaks of the "fat cats in the bad hats" who had the power and money to help or hinder those less fortunate, and the cold and unforgiving nature of the city streets. Despite all of this, he encourages himself and others to keep trying and not give up, even when it seems like no one cares.
The repetition of "here's a dime boy, give me a shine boy" throughout the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of poverty and the desperation that comes when one is unable to escape it. The phrase "when you're down and out in New York City" is also repeated, emphasizing the struggle for survival that many face in the city.
Overall, "New York City" is a bleak but honest portrayal of the struggles and harsh realities of life in the city that never sleeps. West acknowledges the difficulties, but also encourages persistence and resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Say brother, can I borrow a thin brother
Asking for money to buy coffee or snack from someone nearby
Say it, say it, say it sis
Request for money from someone nearby
I'd sure like to have this little dime for me
Desire to have a dime for personal reasons
So I can get this cup of coffee
Intention to use the dime to buy coffee
Cop me a snack, somethin'
Intention to use the dime to buy a snack
I guess I better quit tryin' to be hip and get on down
Coming to the realization that trying to fit in isn't necessary and it's time to move on
Yea man, like, you know
Casual expression of agreement
I was born in New York City on a Monday
Narrating personal background information
It seems I was out shinin' shoes 'bout two to noon
Narrating a past experience of shining shoes
All the fat cats, in the bad hats doing me a real big favor
Wealthy people with bad intentions offering a seemingly good opportunity
Got the fat cats, in the bad hats laying it on real good
Con artists trying to deceive and manipulate through flattery
Here's a dime boy, give me a shine boy
Requesting a shoeshine with the offered dime
When the cold wind comes, it live at New York City
Indicating the harsh weather conditions in NYC
And the street's no place to be but there you are
Living in a difficult or undesirable situation despite the risk
So you try hard, or you die hard
Advising to work hard to overcome challenges or risk being left behind
No one really gives a good damn
Nobody is truly concerned about our struggles
I'm never, never, never gonna get that way again, ow
Determination to never be in that same negative situation again
When you need a friend [Incomprehensible]
Feeling alone and needing someone to talk to or confide in
When you want a friend
Stating the desire for true companionship
Gonna get myself together 'til the mornin'
Planning to improve oneself before the next morning
Gonna leave it all and a one bad dream
Leaving the past behind and moving forward
Wow, ow, yeah
Expression of excitement or enthusiasm
Give me a shine boy
Requesting a shoeshine service
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY DE VORZON, BODIE CHANDLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind