New York
Jay-Z (feat Alicia Keys) Lyrics

Nasty, yeah, yeah (New York, New York)
Starting off with a slang expression to signify the city's attitude, this line emphasizes the energy of the city and its fast pace.

Hey yo black it's time again, yeah, yeah (New York, New York)
The artist is calling out to his fellow New Yorkers, urging them to pay attention to this message that's about to be delivered.

Come here, yeah, yeah (New York, New York)
The artist is trying to draw in the listener and keep their attention focused on the song's message.

If you knew my streets You would know all everybody talk about is who got beef Who snitchin', who told police Who came home, who still gone, who restin' in peace
Painting a picture of what goes on in his neighborhood, the artist describes the gossip and dangerous events that are always being discussed in New York City streets.

Now they killin' over music money, not drugs, rap replaced it Because thugs with no brains got no patience New jacks I pistol whip 'em with the funky rhythm I be kickin' Musician and flatten composition
The artist is highlighting how these streets are changing - from drug wars to music industry wars - and how he is taking a stand against those who come into the rap game with negative intentions.

A pain, I'm like Saddam Hussein Still alive lookin' at his dead children's burnt remains I burnt the game, learnt you lames a new lesson Your crew's soft man, ya'll need some new weapons
Comparing himself to a figure of terror, the artist explains his ruthless attitude towards his competition who can't match his tactics in the rap game and need to elevate their strategies.

The P's breathe Warriorz and skullies and Timmies Around mixed, spics, niggaz and giddies From my ghetto kings in deep thought we don't blink But don't think we wastin' our time It's a New York State of Mind
Describing the melting pot of different cultures and races in the city, the artist is declaring that despite the challenges, the people of New York won't back down and will keep pushing forward.

It's like a jungle, out here So much struggle, out here And my dream's still unphased Greed still the cousin of death
Using the metaphor of the concrete jungle, the artist laments the struggle and challenges, but insists that his dream and ambition remains unaffected despite the overwhelming greed in the city.

Always feels like always somethin' farther time In the Streets of New York
The artist conveys the idea that time is fleeting, but in New York City, it feels like there's always something more to accomplish or overcome.

All I see is street homes And who it's holdin', our people Only comforts the brain It's like I'm going insane
The artist is expressing his frustration at the stark divide between the rich and poor, and how witnessing this every day takes a toll on his mental health.

The revolution has to start, don't waste no time In the Streets of New York (New York state of mind) C'mon
The artist is encouraging the people of New York to wake up and start a revolution to bring change to a city that needs it desperately.

Oh, it's like the game Just ain't the same Baby loves and girls with no shame Can't get away (get away), epidemic plague Every hood in every state Don't have no reasons 'cause relief is hard to find
The artist points out how things have changed in the rap game, with a focus on shallow relationships and desperate money grabs, and is comparing this to a plague that is spreading not just in New York, but nationwide.

I'm from the home of a million legends and trend settin' A lot of footsteps to follow, I've been steppin' Mind stressin' tryin' to find a record crime shreddin' Time precious, I ain't have rest since nine eleven
Acknowledging the city's rich cultural history, the artist is saying that he feels the pressure to maintain that reputation and legacy. He also references the tragedy of 9/11.

I live fast, hustle like today is my last I get cash, the struggle's like a day on the Ave. Crack bein' raw, gats squeezin' off Manhattan squeezin' off, from cats who tease with war
The artist is confessing that he feels the need to live every day like it's his last, hustling to make money, and he is commenting on the danger and violence that he sees every day in New York City.

The eve of the Apocalypse, evil keep movin' politics Every block is at risk, the metropolitan metropolis The opposite of Liza Minelli and Frank Sinatra Alicia Keys, Nas and Ra the gangsta's opera
The artist is saying that even though the end of the world seems inevitable, people of New York City continue to operate with their own political agendas, and he's likening the city to a gangster's opera where violence and aggression dominate.

So New York City walk with me, talk gritty It's up to us New York it's our city Here the man come with the anthem, hands up It's time the thrill is back New York, let's stand up
The artist is calling on the listener to join him in taking the city back, and is urging people to unite and stand up for their home in spite of the overwhelming challenges and obstacles they face.

New York, New York, New York New York City, whoa oh New York, New York, New York New York City, baby New York, New York, New York New York City, whoa oh New York, New York, New York New York City, baby
The refrain simply repeats the name of the city, emphasizing the love and connection to New York despite all its flaws and problems.