Empire State of Mind
STARTER JAY-Z & ALICIA KEYS Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah

Yeah, I'm out that Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca
Right next to De Niro, but I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere
I used to cop in Harlem, hola, my Dominicanos (dรญmelo)
Right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonald's
Took it to my stashbox, 560 State Street
Catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons whippin' pastry
Cruisin' down 8th St, off-white Lexus
Drivin' so slow, but BK is from Texas
Me, I'm out that Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie
Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
Say what up to Ty-Ty, still sippin' Mai Tais
Sittin' courtside, Knicks and Nets give me high five
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

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) (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh) (I made you hot, nigga)

Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game
Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can
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
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
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 Jeezy's payin' Lebron, I'm payin' Dwyane Wade
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

In New York (ayy) (uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle (yeah) where dreams are made of
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 (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh)

Lights is blinding, girls need blinders
So they can step out of bounds quick, the sidelines is
Lined with casualties, who sip the life casually
Then gradually become worse, don't bite the apple, Eve
Caught up in the in-crowd, now you're in style
Into the winter gets cold, en vogue, with your skin out
City of sin, it's a pity on a whim
Good girls gone bad, the city's filled with them
Mommy took a bus trip, now she got her bust out
Everybody ride her, just like a bus route
"Hail Mary" to the city, you're a virgin
And Jesus can't save you, life starts when the church end
Came here for school, graduated to the high life
Ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight
MDMA got you feelin' like a champion (come on, come on, come on)
The city never sleeps, better slip you an Ambien

In New York (ayy, oh) (uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (okay)
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you (okay)
Let's hear it for New York (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh)

One hand in the air for the big city (uh)
Street lights, big dreams, all lookin' pretty (uh)
No place in the world that could compare (nah)
Put your lighters in the air everybody say
"Yeah, yeah" (come on, come on, come on)
"Yeah, yeah" (I'm from New York)

In New York (uh, yeah) (ohh)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (okay)
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you (okay)




Let's hear it for New York (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys paint a vivid picture of the energy, diversity, and ambition that characterize New York City. Jay-Z begins by proudly announcing his roots in Brooklyn but now residing in Tribeca, emphasizing his loyalty to his upbringing while also acknowledging his success and influence in the wider world. Drawing parallels to legendary figures like Frank Sinatra, Jay-Z asserts his own rise to stardom and ability to thrive anywhere, basking in the adoration he receives from all quarters.


The chorus, delivered by Alicia Keys, captures the essence of New York as a concrete jungle where dreams come true and endless opportunities exist. She celebrates the city's vibrancy and resilience, its ability to make anyone feel like they are starting anew and being inspired by the big lights and endless possibilities. The mention of iconic landmarks like Broadway and the Statue of Liberty further enhances the sense of pride and admiration for the city's cultural and historical significance.


Jay-Z continues to weave a tapestry of New York life, making references to his influence in the music scene and sports culture, proudly proclaiming his impact on the city's fashion and entertainment industries. He also touches upon the struggles and harsh realities faced by many in the city, acknowledging the melting pot of cultures and challenges faced by residents, all against the backdrop of a thriving hip-hop and urban culture that defines New York City.


The final verse delves into the darker side of the city, highlighting the temptations and pitfalls that await those who succumb to its seductive allure. References to the fast-paced lifestyle, materialism, and party culture underscore the contrast between the glamour and the harsh realities of life in the city that never sleeps. Through these potent lyrics, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys capture the essence of New York City as a place of dreams, struggles, and endless possibilities, ultimately celebrating its unique spirit and resilience.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah
Expressing excitement and agreement


Yeah, I'm out that Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca
I've moved from Brooklyn to Tribeca


Right next to De Niro, but I'll be hood forever
Living near De Niro, but staying true to my roots


I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
Compared to Sinatra, succeeding in New York


I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere
Succeeding in NYC means succeeding anywhere


I used to cop in Harlem, hola, my Dominicanos (dรญmelo)
I used to buy drugs in Harlem, greeting my Dominican friends


Right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonald's
Being back on Broadway reminds me of simpler times at McDonald's


Took it to my stashbox, 560 State Street
Hiding money and valuables at 560 State Street


Catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons whippin' pastry
Cooking in the kitchen like a professional baker


Cruisin' down 8th St, off-white Lexus
Driving leisurely down 8th St in an off-white Lexus


Drivin' so slow, but BK is from Texas
Driving slowly, representing Brooklyn in the mix


Me, I'm out that Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie
Living in Bed-Stuy, where the famous rapper Biggie was from


Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
Succeeding and bringing friends along for the ride


Say what up to Ty-Ty, still sippin' Mai Tais
Greetings to Ty-Ty, enjoying Mai Tais


Sittin' courtside, Knicks and Nets give me high five
Being VIP at basketball games, getting high fives from players


Nigga, I be Spike'd out, I could trip a referee (come on, come on, come on)
Wearing Spike Lee's unique style, would challenge a referee


Tell by my attitude that I'm most definitely from
My attitude clearly shows that I'm from


In New York (ayy, ah-ha) (uh, yeah)
The start of the song referencing New York City


Concrete jungle (yeah) where dreams are made of
Describing NYC as a place where dreams can come true


There's nothin' you can't do (yeah) (okay)
Claiming that anything is achievable in NYC


Now you're in New York (ah-ha, ah-ha, ah-ha) (uh, yeah)
Acknowledging being in New York City


These streets will make you feel brand new (new)
New York streets can rejuvenate you


Big lights will inspire you (come on) (okay)
The bright lights of the city can motivate you


Let's hear it for New York (you're welcome, OG) (uh)
Praising and acknowledging New York City


New York (yeah), New York (uh) (I made you hot, nigga)
Emphasizing the greatness of New York City




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alexander William Shuckburgh, Alicia J Augello-Cook, Shawn C Carter, Angela Hunte, Bert Keyes, Sylvia Robinson, Janette Sewell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@hishamgt5dz

this man can process music faster then any cpu in this world

@PianoteOfficial

Hahaha completely agree!

@PraiseYeezus

no, literally, he can. i've done some work on trying to build some AI tools to help musicians play music by ear more easily, and i don't know any tool that can hear the first note of a song and immediately tell you what it is.

@hishamgt5dz

The universe has a beginning and an end. This man is the beginning of music@@PraiseYeezus

@iamLionman

โ€‹@@PraiseYeezusI can do this

@istophillips

No, he missing the move to Bb

93 More Replies...

@brickwilliamsguitar6307

Make this is a series with this man. I'd watch every episode. This was incredible!

@JaredGH26

Dream Theater baby!

@PianoteOfficial

Stay tuned ;)

@rickyjackson3707

Make it A series with different musicians!!!!
Like hearing Jacob Collier, Pat Metheney, Herbie Hancock or Aaron Goldberg would be cool- if you can pull it off lol @@PianoteOfficial

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