Empire State Of Mind
Julia van der Toorn Lyrics

Ooooh, New York!
Expressing excitement and admiration for New York City.

Grew up in a town that is famous as a place of movie scenes
Raised in a city known for its aesthetic beauty showcased in films and TV shows.

Noise is always loud, there are sirens all around and the streets are mean
The city can be noisy and chaotic, with constant noise pollution and rough neighborhoods.

If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere, that's what they say
The city is a proving ground for ambition and success, and achieving success in New York is seen as a significant benchmark.

Seeing my face in lights or my name in marquees found down on Broadway
Aspiring to become a famous performer, with dreams of seeing their name in lights in one of Broadway's iconic theaters.

Even if it ain't all it seems, I got a pocketful of dreams
Acknowledging that the city isn't perfect, but still motivated by their own aspirations and ambitions.

Baby I'm from New York!
Proudly identifying as a New Yorker and all that it represents.

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
New York is a city of opportunity, where people come to pursue their goals and make their dreams a reality.

There's nothing you can't do
The city fosters a sense of limitless potential and possibility, where with dedication and hard work, any goal can be achieved.

Now you're in New York!
Welcoming and inspiring the listener to explore and find their own sense of purpose within the city.

These streets will make you feel brand new
Exploring New York can be a transformative experience, with the city inspiring and revitalizing visitors.

Big lights will inspire you
The city's distinctive lights and energy can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for those who visit.

On the avenue, there ain't never a curfew, ladies work so hard
The city never sleeps, with people working tirelessly around the clock to pursue their goals and aspirations.

Such a melting pot, on the corner selling rock, preachers pray to God
A description of the diverse range of people and cultures that can be found on any given New York street corner.

Hail a gypsy cab, takes me down from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge
Describing one of the many ways to navigate and explore the city through public transportation.

Some will sleep tonight with a hunger for more than an empty fridge
Acknowledging that the city's opportunities and struggles can leave some residents feeling unfulfilled and desiring more than just the basics of life.

I'ma make it by any means, I got a pocketful of dreams
Determined to achieve success, no matter the challenges or obstacles, fueled by their own ambitions and sense of purpose.

One hand in the air for the big city
Celebrating and demonstrating love and admiration for the city's vibrancy and energy.

Street lights, big dreams, all looking pretty
Describing the city's aesthetic beauty and inviting opportunities for ambition and success.

No place in the world that can compare
Arguing that New York City truly stands apart from other cities around the world in its unique energy, character, and opportunity.

Put your lighters in the air, everybody say
Inviting others to join in and celebrate the city's distinctive energy and character.

Let's hear it for New York, New York, New Yooork!
A rallying cry for everyone to celebrate and acknowledge the power, potential, and unique character that makes New York City so special.