New York
Jay-Z f. Alicia Keys Lyrics

Nasty, yeah, yeah (New York, New York)
Introducing the song with a gritty, streetwise New York vibe.

Hey yo black it's time again, yeah, yeah (New York, New York)
Addressing the listener directly and signaling that it's time to represent New York once more.

Come here, yeah, yeah (New York, New York)
Asking the listener to join in on this New York anthem.

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
Describing the pervasive culture of violence and distrust in New York, where people are always talking about rumors and conflicts.

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
Noting how the music industry is now a prominent avenue for violence, where people are quick to resort to aggression for financial gain. Jay-Z warns that he will use his musical talent to beat down any upstarts who cross him.

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 the fallen dictator Saddam Hussein, Jay-Z boasts about his power to destroy his enemies and reshape the rap game. He mocks his opponents for being weak and advises them to come up with better tactics.

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
Painting a vivid picture of the diverse communities that make up New York, and how even in the midst of conflict, they remain thoughtful and determined. Jay-Z affirms that this is just part of the broader New York identity, which is characterized by a strong, resilient spirit.

It's like a jungle, out here So much struggle, out here And my dream's still unphased Greed still the cousin of death
Commenting on the difficult living conditions in New York, with intense competition and a high cost of living. Jay-Z acknowledges that while he has aspirations, he is aware of the risks and dangers that come with seeking success in this environment.

Always feels like always somethin' farther time In the Streets of New York
Reflecting on the way time seems to move differently in New York, where there's always a sense of urgency and pressure to keep up.

All I see is street homes And who it's holdin', our people Only comforts the brain It's like I'm going insane
Expressing frustration and despair at the lack of progress and the constant struggle for survival in the streets of New York, which takes a toll on 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
Urging for change and action in order to lift up the people of New York and make a difference. Jay-Z calls on listeners to join him in this mission.

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
Noting how the game (presumably the rap game, but could also refer to the game of life in general) has changed and become increasingly corrupt and dangerous. Jay-Z references the prevalence of STDs and lack of safe sex practices, as well as the impact of poverty, which leaves people with few options for relief.

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
Proudly proclaiming his New York roots and how he has inherited the legacy of many great artists who came before him. Jay-Z acknowledges the pressure to succeed and create groundbreaking work, especially in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.

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
Admitting to living a fast-paced, high-risk lifestyle in order to get ahead. He compares the struggle of his life to the hustle and chaos of the bustling New York streets, where drugs and weapons are always a threat.

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
Painting a picture of New York as a place on the brink of total destruction, with political corruption and violence on every block. Jay-Z compares this dire situation to the upbeat, glitzy image of Liza Minelli and Frank Sinatra, but signals that he and his collaborators (Alicia Keys, Nas, and Raekwon) are making music that reflects the harsh reality of their city.

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
Encouraging listeners to join him in celebrating their city and its struggles, rather than trying to escape them. Jay-Z insists that New Yorkers can make a difference if they come together and take pride in their heritage.

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
Repeating the chorus, which serves as a triumphant rallying cry for New Yorkers to embrace their city and stand up to its challenges. The repetition emphasizes the importance of community and continuity in the face of adversity.