Philadelphia Song
Matt Nathanson Lyrics


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Philadalphia... you're in my heart.
I wrote a little song for you

P-h-i-l-a-d-a-l-p-h-i-a
Youre fuckin sexy bitches
Wicked fuckin sexy bitches
I love the way you rock
Will smith's from this town
Cinderellas from this towm
You rock

Rocky is from this town
And he rocks
His name is fuckin rocky
Its rock with a y

Burgess meredith died

Helping rocky live
And he rose like a pheonix
I'm gonna do the same for you
I'm gonna go down. for you
Like a burnin burnin burn alive, like a pheonix
I'm gonna fuckin rise like a pheonix
Like jesus
O' christ
I love you philadalphia
Got too much love
You cracked the liberty bell
So much love you fucking cracked cast iron.





Thats my philadalphia song... i'm working on it
Its not really done... its at like this crucial point... like where do you go.

Overall Meaning

The song "Philadelphia Song" by Matt Nathanson is a tribute to Philadelphia and its people, with Nathanson expressing his admiration and love for the city. The song starts with Nathanson spelling out the city's name, making the point that the city is an important part of him. He then goes on to describe the city as having "sexy bitches" and being home to famous people like Will Smith, Cinderella, and Rocky. Burgess Meredith, who played Rocky's mentor in the film series, is mentioned as having died while helping Rocky to live, which Nathanson uses as a metaphor for his own determination to help the city rise up. He describes his love for Philadelphia as being so intense that it is like burning alive, but he is willing to do anything to make the city thrive.


Nathanson's tribute to Philadelphia is both personal and universal. While he clearly has a deep connection to the city and its people, he also celebrates the way that the city has contributed to American culture, with its sports heroes, musicians, and movie stars. The theme of rising from the ashes, represented by Burgess Meredith's character and the image of the phoenix, is a powerful one, suggesting that there is hope even in the face of hardship and adversity. The song is an uplifting anthem for Philadelphia and for anyone who has ever faced a difficult challenge.


Line by Line Meaning

Philadalphia... you're in my heart.
Philadelphia is a place that holds a special place in my heart and I hold nothing but admiration for it.


I wrote a little song for you
I created an ode to Philadelphia in the form of a song because of how dear it is to me.


P-h-i-l-a-d-a-l-p-h-i-a
A playful and humorous spelling of Philadelphia to emphasize how much joy the city brings to the singer.


Youre fuckin sexy bitches
An expression of the artist's adoration for the city and the people in it.


Wicked fuckin sexy bitches
A more emphatic proclamation of their love for the city and the people residing in it.


I love the way you rock
The singer loves the unique and special way that Philadelphia presents itself to the world.


Will smith's from this town
A nod to one of Philadelphia's most famous natives and a tribute to the city's rich cultural history.


Cinderellas from this towm
Another reference to Philadelphia's deep significance in popular culture and a nod to the fact that even the most beloved fairytales have roots in real places.


You rock
An affirmation of the artist's belief that Philadelphia is an incredible and special place that deserves recognition and praise.


Rocky is from this town
Another tribute to Philadelphia's cultural significance through the famous character of Rocky Balboa.


And he rocks
Rocky is not only a beloved character, but also a symbol of the city's resilience and determination.


His name is fuckin rocky
A humorous take on the iconic character's name and a testament to the artist's deep knowledge and love of Philadelphia's pop culture.


Its rock with a y
A playful and silly reference to the spelling of Rocky's name and a nod to how even small details can be significant in the city's culture.


Burgess meredith died
A somber moment in the song that acknowledges the passing of a famous actor who played a major role in the Rocky series.


Helping rocky live
A recognition of how important Burgess Meredith was in portraying Rocky's trainer and guiding him to success.


And he rose like a pheonix
A metaphorical phrase that alludes to both Rocky's journey and the city's resilience in times of difficulty.


I'm gonna do the same for you
A pledge from the artist to be there for Philadelphia, no matter the circumstances.


I'm gonna go down. for you
An expression of the singer's willingness to fight for Philadelphia, even if it means sacrificing themselves.


Like a burnin burnin burn alive, like a pheonix
Another use of the phoenix metaphor, emphasizing how the city can rise from the ashes after any challenge or hardship.


I'm gonna fuckin rise like a pheonix
A declaration of belief in the artist's own ability to overcome challenges and come out stronger, much like Philadelphia itself.


Like jesus
A comparison to the religious figure of Jesus, signaling the artist's deep reverence and love for Philadelphia.


O' christ
Another religious reference, further emphasizing the artist's respect and connection to Philadelphia.


I love you philadalphia
A simple statement of the singer's deep admiration and affection for the city of Philadelphia.


Got too much love
An acknowledgment that the artist's love and admiration for Philadelphia cannot be contained or measured.


You cracked the liberty bell
A reference to a historical event that highlights Philadelphia's place in American history and the enduring impact it has had on the country.


So much love you fucking cracked cast iron.
An exaggeration of the singer's love for Philadelphia, suggesting that it is so powerful that even the strongest materials cannot contain it.


Thats my philadalphia song... i'm working on it
An acknowledgement that this song is not complete, but a work in progress and a testament to how much more there is to say about Philadelphia.


Its not really done... its at like this crucial point... like where do you go.
A reflection on the creative process and the realization that this song is in a moment of transition, much like the city of Philadelphia itself.




Contributed by Cooper W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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