New York
Jay Z (Feat. Alicia Keys) Lyrics

Nasty, yeah, yeah (New York, New York)
Intense and brutal, representing the true nature of New York City

Hey yo black it's time again, yeah, yeah (New York, New York)
Addressing the black community in New York City, it's time to focus on the issues

Come here, yeah, yeah (New York, New York)
Inviting the listener to come closer and pay attention to the reality of New York City

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
The streets of New York City are rife with conflict and violence, where people gossip about rivalries, betrayal, and death.

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 music industry has replaced drug money as the source of violence in New York City, with new generations of uneducated youth engaging in ruthless behavior. The artist will use their musical talent to overpower and defeat these thugs.

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
The singer identifies with the pain of the former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who witnessed his family's death, and declares that he has become a powerful force in the game of music- and is warning his opponents of the destruction he is capable of.

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
The people of New York City come from all walks of life, races, and cultures, but the residents of the ghetto are particularly thoughtful and reflective. They don't waste their time, knowing that a New York state of mind means they are always facing challenges.

It's like a jungle, out here So much struggle, out here And my dream's still unphased Greed still the cousin of death
New York City is a wild and dangerous place, and everyone is fighting to survive. Despite the struggle, the artist's dreams are unbroken, but greed remains a powerful force that can lead to death.

Always feels like always somethin' farther time In the Streets of New York
New York City is always changing and moving, with incidents occurring constantly in the streets.

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 only sees street life and those affected by it, which weighs heavily on their mind and causes confusion and despair.

The revolution has to start, don't waste no time In the Streets of New York (New York state of mind) C'mon
The singer urges for a revolution to begin, where people stand up for their rights and don't waste time- in a true New York state of mind.

New York, New York, New York New York City, whoa oh New York, New York, New York New York City, baby
Repeating the city's name signifies the strength and identity of New York City.

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
Life in New York City is becoming increasingly harsh and unforgiving, with widespread disease and a feeling of hopelessness.

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
New York City is home to many trailblazers and icons, which can be overwhelming to live up to. The singer is focused on creating innovative and boundary-pushing music and is constantly worrying about crime. Since the events of 9/11, there is a sense of urgency and fatigue.

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 singer lives life quickly and with purpose, as every day could be their last. They work hard for financial gain, but the reality of life in New York City means that violence is never far behind.

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 sees a bleak future for New York City, with sinister political forces at play and danger everywhere. Contrasting with previous eras of New York entertainment icons, the current climate is like a gangsta's opera.

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 their fellow New Yorkers to join them in the fight for their city, to speak candidly and reclaim their pride. They are representing New York City and want to bring back the excitement and hope they once felt.