New York City
Julia and the Doogans Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

A sailboat and a new passport
are all the things that you need
When you leave, you'll be free
Stood at lady liberty fee
'Cause you're leaving for New York City
I've never been but it sure looks pretty to me
Buildings like them scrape the sky
all your dreams lie behind your eyes
Send me a postcard, write me a song
when they all come true and I'm proved them wrong
'Cause you're leaving for New York City
I've never been but it sure looks pretty to me
'Cause you're leaving for New York City
I've never been but it sure looks pretty
'Cause you're leaving for New York City




I've never been but it sure looks pretty to me
End

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "New York City" by Julia and the Doogans depict the excitement and anticipation of leaving one's life behind and starting fresh in a new and unknown city, particularly New York City. The singer suggests that all that is needed to embark on this new journey is a sailboat and a new passport, symbolizing both freedom and adventure. Upon leaving, the singer and the person they address will feel free, standing at the feet of Lady Liberty where all your dreams can come true. The towering buildings of the city represent the endless possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.


The singer then requests the person they address to send them a postcard and write them a song when their dreams come true and they have proved those who doubted them wrong. The repetition of the line "I've never been but it sure looks pretty to me" further emphasizes the allure and dreamlike quality of New York City from afar. The song ultimately celebrates the idea of leaving behind the old and mundane for a chance at new and exciting experiences in the city that never sleeps.


Line by Line Meaning

A sailboat and a new passport
These are the only two things you need to leave and explore the world.


are all the things that you need
You don't need anything else in order to start a new adventure.


When you leave, you'll be free
Leaving your old life behind will bring you a sense of liberation.


Stood at lady liberty fee
Looking at the Statue of Liberty will remind you of the freedom that awaits.


'Cause you're leaving for New York City
New York City is the destination where you're headed.


I've never been but it sure looks pretty to me
Although the singer has never been to New York City, they think it looks beautiful.


Buildings like them scrape the sky
The buildings in New York City are so tall they appear to touch the sky.


all your dreams lie behind your eyes
Everything you've ever wanted is waiting for you in New York City.


Send me a postcard, write me a song
The singer wants to hear about your experiences and the stories you'll have to tell.


when they all come true and I'm proved them wrong
The singer wants to hear about your successes and how you defied the skeptics.


'Cause you're leaving for New York City
The singer reminds you that New York City is where you're headed.


I've never been but it sure looks pretty to me
The singer still believes New York City is beautiful and worth exploring.


'Cause you're leaving for New York City
The singer reminds you once more of your destination.


I've never been but it sure looks pretty
The singer is still enamored with the idea of New York City.


'Cause you're leaving for New York City
Final affirmation that New York City is where you're heading.


I've never been but it sure looks pretty to me
Final assertion of belief that New York City is a beautiful and worthwhile destination.




Contributed by Ryan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found