Empire State of Mind
Jay Z ft. Rihanna Lyrics

Yeah
The singer is showing enthusiasm for what they are about to say.

Yeah I'm out that Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca Right next to DeNiro, but I'll be hood forever
The singer is mentioning that they have moved to Tribeca after growing up in Brooklyn, however, they still have an attachment to their past and their community.

I'm the new Sinatra, and, since I made it here I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere
The singer is comparing themselves to legendary performer Frank Sinatra, and believes that because they've become successful in New York, they can become successful anywhere.

I used to cop in Harlem, all of my Dominicanos Right there up on Broadway, pull me back to that McDonald's Took it to my stashbox, 560 State St Catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons wippin' pastry's
The artist is reminiscing about their past in which they would buy drugs in Harlem and then go to McDonald's. They used to hide their money and drugs at 560 State Street, and now they compare themselves to Simmons (probably a pastry chef) in their current profession.

Cruisin' down 8th St, off white Lexus Drivin' so slow, but BK is from Texas
The artist is driving down 8th Street in their off-white Lexus, taking in the sights of New York. They also mention that BK (Bed-Stuy) represents Texas, making a connection between the two places.

Me, I'm out that Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
The singer identifies as being from Bed-Stuy, which is also where Biggie Smalls (a famous rapper) was from. Now they are successful enough to be featured on Billboard, and they haven't forgotten their roots; they bring their friends along with them.

Say what up to Ty-Ty, still sippin' Mai Tais Sittin' courtside, Knicks and Nets give me high five
The singer gives a shout-out to Ty-Ty (possibly a friend or collaborator) and mentions that they are drinking Mai Tais. They also mention getting high-fives from players at Knicks and Nets games, indicating their level of celebrity.

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
The artist mentions being 'Spike'd out' (like famous director and Knicks superfan Spike Lee), and says they could trip a referee (which is a metaphor for being so in tune with the game that it's possible for them to influence it). They also indicate that their attitude is a clear sign they are from New York.

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) (come on)
The artist is singing the chorus, which concerns New York City and its ability to inspire people and make them feel as though anything is possible there, hence the phrase 'concrete jungle where dreams are made of.' They are encouraging listeners to feel good about being in New York City, as if experiencing something new, and to appreciate the bright lights and bustling energy of the city renowned around the world.

New York (yeah), New York (uh) (I made you hot) Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous then a Yankee can
The artist claims to have made New York City famous, and then mentions going to Yankee games and being with someone referred to as 'OG.' They also say they made the Yankees hat more famous than the Yankee player who originally wore it.

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
The singer explains that they 'bleed blue' as in being loyal to something (possibly the Brooklyn Nets, which has blue as their team color), but that they're not affiliated with the Crips, a street gang. They also mention having a group of people that they associate with.

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
The artist welcomes people to the melting pot, the city that has all kinds of people and cultures. They talk about how drugs are commonly sold on street corners and reference Afrika Bambataa, a prominent figure in hip-hop culture. They also mention different types of cabs (yellow, gypsy, dollar) and how foreigners sometimes act inappropriately when in New York.

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 Jesus payin' Lebron, I'm payin' Dwyane Wade
The singer points out that there are millions of stories in New York City alone. They say that the city can be difficult for people, with many not succeeding. They then compare themselves to rapper Special Ed, who had a hit song 'I Got It Made' as a way to say that they are doing well. Lastly, the singer says that if Jesus is paying LeBron James for his work, the singer will pay Dwayne Wade for his, implying that they are also successful and wealthy.

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
The singer references the gambling games of cee-lo and three card Monte (which are often played in New York City). They also mention Bob Marley and the Labor Day Parade (held annually in Brooklyn), which is meant to honor the hardworking people in the city. Lastly, they mention the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center, and they declare their home of the Empire State as the home of the king, likely a reference to themselves.

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 (come on) New York (yeah), New York (uh)
The singer repeats the chorus one more time, reminding listeners that there is nothing they can't do in New York City. They say the streets will make listeners feel new and inspired by the big lights and encourage a shout-out for New York City.