New York City
Malick Peter Group / Norah Jones Lyrics


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I can't remember what I planned tomorrow
I can't remember when it's time to go
When I look in the mirror
Tracing lines with a pencil
I remember what came before

I wanted to think there was endless love
Until I saw the light dim in your eyes
In the dead of the night I found out
Sometimes there's love that won't survive

New York City
Such a beautiful disease
New York City
Such a beautiful,
Such a beautiful disease

Laura kept all her disappointments
Locked up in a box behind her closet door
She pulled the blinds and listened to the thunder
With no way out from the family store

We all told her things could get better
When you just say goodbye
I'll lay awake one more night
Caught in a vision I want to deny

And did I mention the note that I found
Taped to my locked front door
It talked about no regrets
As it slipped from my hand to the scuffed tile floor

I rode the train for hours on end
And watched the people pass me by
It could be that it has no end
Just an action junkie's lullaby

New York City
We were full of the stuff that every dream rested
As if floating on a lumpy pillow sky
Caught up in the whole illusion
That dreams never pass us by
Came to a tattooed conclusion
That the big one was knocking on the door
What started as a mass delusion
Would take me far from the place I adore





New York City

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Malick Peter Group/Norah Jones' "New York City" paints a picture of the city as both beautiful and poisonous. The first verse speaks about the fleeting nature of time and memory, and how the struggles of life can cause one to forget what is important. The refrain, "New York City, such a beautiful disease," suggests that the singer recognizes the allure of the city, but also acknowledges its negative effects. The second verse tells the story of Laura, a woman who has locked away her disappointments and seems to be stuck in a family business. The refrain is repeated, emphasizing the contrast between the city's beauty and the struggles of its inhabitants. Lastly, the third verse speaks about the singer's journey on a train, watching the people go by and realizing that the city's dreams can be both alluring and fleeting.


Overall, the song speaks about how the city can both inspire and haunt its inhabitants. It recognizes the city's glamor and opportunities but also acknowledges the difficulties that come with living there. The song's lyrics are also reflective of the life of a true artist, filled with emotional highs and lows which are often channelled into lyrics like those in "New York City".


Line by Line Meaning

I can't remember what I planned tomorrow
Uncertainty clouds my mind about what lies ahead


I can't remember when it's time to go
My memory fails me and time seems to blur


When I look in the mirror
Reflecting on what stares back at me


Tracing lines with a pencil
Gently drawing out the aged creases


I remember what came before
Thoughts drift to the past and what has been


I wanted to think there was endless love
Believing that love has no end in sight


Until I saw the light dim in your eyes
Realizing that love fades and sometimes dies


In the dead of the night I found out
Discovering the bitter truth at the night's darkest hour


Sometimes there's love that won't survive
Love can falter and break, unable to withstand the test of time


New York City
The bustling metropolis


Such a beautiful disease
An irresistible yet hazardous attraction


Laura kept all her disappointments
Concealing her pain and heartbreak


Locked up in a box behind her closet door
Hiding away her troubles and sorrows


She pulled the blinds and listened to the thunder
Finding solace in the storm's commotion


With no way out from the family store
Feeling trapped and unable to escape her circumstance


We all told her things could get better
Offering hope that tomorrow holds new possibilities


When you just say goodbye
The pain of leaving can open doors to a brighter future


I'll lay awake one more night
Tossing and turning, sleep a far-off possibility


Caught in a vision I want to deny
Haunted by a dream, a reality I wish to reject


And did I mention the note that I found
Recalling the letter I discovered


Taped to my locked front door
Affixed to the barrier that secludes me from the world outside


It talked about no regrets
Speaking of a life lived without remorse


As it slipped from my hand to the scuffed tile floor
Falling from my grasp and landing on the worn surface


I rode the train for hours on end
Traversing great distances, sitting forever on the train


And watched the people pass me by
Observing the many faces of the strangers who drift in and out of life's journey


It could be that it has no end
Life's journey may stretch on without any final destination


Just an action junkie's lullaby
The melody of adventure and excitement is soothing to me


We were full of the stuff that every dream rested
Overwhelmed with hope and aspirations


As if floating on a lumpy pillow sky
Suspended in the clouds, bumpy but comforting


Caught up in the whole illusion
Trapped in the mirage of what could be


That dreams never pass us by
Believing that our fantasies will come to fruition


Came to a tattooed conclusion
Realizing the truth, but unable to erase the permanent mark it leaves behind


That the big one was knocking on the door
Recognizing that a significant change was imminent


What started as a mass delusion
The shared belief that we could achieve anything was false


Would take me far from the place I adore
The journey ahead would lead me away from the city I love




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WINFRED LOVETT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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