Empire State of Mind
Jay-Z/Rihanna/Kanye West Lyrics


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Yeah

Yeah, I'm out that Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca
Right next to De Niro, but I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere
I used to cop in Harlem, hola, my Dominicanos (dímelo)
Right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonald's
Took it to my stashbox, 560 State Street
Catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons whippin' pastry
Cruisin' down 8th St, off-white Lexus
Drivin' so slow, but BK is from Texas
Me, I'm out that Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie
Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
Say what up to Ty-Ty, still sippin' Mai Tais
Sittin' courtside, Knicks and Nets give me high five
Nigga, I be Spike'd out, I could trip a referee (come on, come on, come on)
Tell by my attitude that I'm most definitely from

In New York (ayy, ah-ha) (uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle (yeah) where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (yeah) (okay)
Now you're in New York (ah-ha, ah-ha, ah-ha) (uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand new (new)
Big lights will inspire you (come on) (okay)
Let's hear it for New York (you're welcome, OG) (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh) (I made you hot, nigga)

Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game
Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can
You should know I bleed blue, but I ain't a Crip though
But I got a gang of niggas walkin' with my clique though
Welcome to the melting pot, corners where we sellin' rock
Afrika Bambataa shit, home of the hip-hop
Yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab, holla back
For foreigners it ain't fair, they act like they forgot how to act
Eight million stories, out there in the naked
City is a pity, half of y'all won't make it
Me, I got a plug, Special Ed, "I Got It Made"
If Jeezy's payin' Lebron, I'm payin' Dwyane Wade
Three dice Cee-lo, three-card Monte
Labor Day Parade, rest in peace Bob Marley
Statue of Liberty, long live the World Trade (come on, come on, come on)
Long live the king, yo, I'm from the Empire State that's

In New York (ayy) (uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle (yeah) where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (that boy good) (okay)
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
(Welcome to the bright lights, baby)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you (okay)
Let's hear it for New York (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh)

Lights is blinding, girls need blinders
So they can step out of bounds quick, the sidelines is
Lined with casualties, who sip the life casually
Then gradually become worse, don't bite the apple, Eve
Caught up in the in-crowd, now you're in style
Into the winter gets cold, en vogue, with your skin out
City of sin, it's a pity on a whim
Good girls gone bad, the city's filled with them
Mommy took a bus trip, now she got her bust out
Everybody ride her, just like a bus route
"Hail Mary" to the city, you're a virgin
And Jesus can't save you, life starts when the church end
Came here for school, graduated to the high life
Ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight
MDMA got you feelin' like a champion (come on, come on, come on)
The city never sleeps, better slip you an Ambien

In New York (ayy, oh) (uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (okay)
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you (okay)
Let's hear it for New York (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh)

One hand in the air for the big city (uh)
Street lights, big dreams, all lookin' pretty (uh)
No place in the world that could compare (nah)
Put your lighters in the air everybody say
"Yeah, yeah" (come on, come on, come on)
"Yeah, yeah" (I'm from New York)

In New York (uh, yeah) (ohh)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (okay)
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you (okay)




Let's hear it for New York (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West paint a vivid picture of the artists' experience and love for the city of New York. In the first verse, Jay-Z claims his place in the city, conveying his journey from Brooklyn to Tribeca. He compares himself to the legendary Frank Sinatra, asserting that he has made it in New York and can thrive anywhere. From his past experiences in Harlem to his current success on the Billboard charts, Jay-Z highlights the influence and impact of New York on his life.


The chorus captures the essence of New York City, presenting it as a concrete jungle where dreams can be actualized. It emphasizes the limitless possibilities and the city's ability to inspire individuals to achieve greatness. The bright lights and bustling streets are a symbol of hope and opportunity. Jay-Z and Rihanna welcome the listeners to experience the energy and vibrancy of the city that never sleeps.


The second verse delves deeper into the cultural and historical aspects of New York. Jay-Z mentions attending a Yankees game with OG (a term that typically refers to an older, respected individual) to show his connection to the city's iconic sports teams. He acknowledges his influence on popular culture through his partnership with the Yankees, acknowledging that he has made their iconic hat even more famous. Jay-Z also highlights the diversity of New York, calling it a melting pot where hip-hop was born. The verse alludes to the struggles faced by individuals in the city, the stories untold, and the challenges they must overcome to succeed.


The bridge sung by Rihanna addresses the darker side of the city. She describes the blinding lights and the need for blinders, indicating how easy it is to lose oneself in the glamorous lifestyle and fall victim to its pitfalls. Rihanna refers to the city's reputation for sin and how even the most innocent individuals can get caught up in its allure. This section serves as a cautionary message, reminding listeners to remain grounded and not be blinded by the city's temptations.


The final chorus brings the focus back to the uplifting and inspiring aspects of New York. Kanye West's ad-libs add to the celebratory atmosphere, encouraging listeners to raise their hands and admire the city's grandeur. The song ends with a repeated chant of "yeah, yeah," emphasizing the artists' pride and connection to New York.


Overall, "Empire State of Mind" celebrates New York City as a symbol of ambition, success, and cultural diversity. The lyrics delve into the artists' personal experiences, paying homage to the city's rich history and its ability to shape dreams.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alexander William Shuckburgh, Alicia J Augello-Cook, Shawn C Carter, Angela Hunte, Bert Keyes, Sylvia Robinson, Janette Sewell

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

@theharshtruthoutthere

@@susanarsoniadou To every soul OUT THERE:
All prayers from Righteous SOULS aka Born again Christians, have power. Sinners prayers GOD hears not. Unless we REPENT and born again and LIVE HOLY, GOD hears none of our prayers. Prayers have power, but these must come from Changed hearts.
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Psalms 119:155 “Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.”


(Many souls(unsaved souls), believe falsely and pray in vain).
Mankind is filled with UNSAVED SOULS (WICKED SINNERS).
That`s why there`s a calling to REPENTANCE and to BORN AGAIN:
Luke 5:32
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
John 3:7
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.



All comments from YouTube:

@kingbeef396

This song makes me feel like anything is possible.

@lyr1c180

In New York☝️

@sheepdavis

It's not

@nicholedoten6506

Less chance of 86n in the land of opportunity

@extrm161

https://youtu.be/o1D2q_YAxwQ

Only for real hip hop head's 👆

@nievescamacholara2549

@@palabrasb otsrwei nuevo yo ok

607 More Replies...

@wx_av3937

Whos listening in 2024 ?? 😂🗣️

@Your_fav_vr_guy

Me

@eddiesguitar7831

heyyy

@user-ds7rd8yq7d

Me

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