Lawrence had success on the record charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s with such hits as "Go Away Little Girl" (U.S. No. 1), "Pretty Blue Eyes" (U.S. No. 9), "Footsteps" (U.S. No. 7), "Portrait of My Love" (U.S. No. 9), and "Party Doll" (U.S. No. 5). "Go Away Little Girl" sold over one million copies and was awarded a Gold record. Much of Lawrence's musical career centered on nightclubs and the musical stage.
New York
Steve Lawrence Lyrics
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I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it
New York, New York
These vagabond shoes are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it
New York, New York
I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep
These little town blues are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, New York, New York
New York, New York, New York
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps
And find I'm a number one, top of the list
These little town blues are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, New York, New York, New York
Steve Lawrence’s song “New York, New York” is arguably one of the best-known anthems of the bustling city known as The Big Apple. The lively tune conveys the notion of breaking free and starting anew in New York City. The opening lyrics, “Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today, I want to be a part of it, New York, New York,” introduce the idea of a fresh start in a new locale. The singer then expresses a desire to walk the busy streets of New York City, as his “vagabond shoes are longing to stray,” while yearning for the excitement and opportunities found in the city. In stark contrast to small town life, the lyrics describe a desire to be in “a city that never sleeps,” where the singer can be “king of the hill” and “top of the list.” The song continues reverently of the city, “It's up to you, New York, New York,” conveying a sense of hope, determination, and willingness to take risks for new beginnings.
Overall, “New York, New York” written by Fred Ebb and John Kander, speaks to the city and the possibilities and energy it holds for those ready and willing to embrace it. The song became an instant hit and its iconic melody continues to be beloved by many.
Line by Line Meaning
Start spreading the news
I want everyone to know my exciting news
I'm leaving today
I'm leaving my current life behind to pursue my dreams
I want to be a part of it
I want to feel like I belong in New York
New York, New York
I'm talking specifically about the city of New York
These vagabond shoes are longing to stray
I have a strong desire to explore and be free
Right through the very heart of it
I want to experience everything New York has to offer
New York, New York
Reiterating that I'm referring to the city of New York
I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep
I want to live in a city that is always active and never shuts down
And find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
I want to feel successful and powerful in this city
These little town blues are melting away
I'm leaving behind the sadness and lack of opportunity in my previous town
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
I'm going to start fresh in this city despite its age
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
If I can succeed in New York, I can succeed anywhere
It's up to you, New York, New York
The pressure is on New York to provide me with the opportunities I need to succeed
New York, New York, New York
Ending with yet another reference to the city, emphasizing its importance
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps
Repeating my desire to live in a constantly active city
And find I'm a number one, top of the list
I want to be the best and most successful in this city
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Fred Ebb, John Kander
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind