Steve Tyrell is an American jazz musician. Born in Texas, he moved to New Y… Read Full Bio ↴Steve Tyrell is an American jazz musician. Born in Texas, he moved to New York City at the age of 18, where he was made head of A&R and promotion at Scepter Records. His contributions to the film industry include Mystic Pizza, Pound Puppies and the Legend of Big Paw, 1991's Father of the Bride and The Brady Bunch Movie. Since the end of the 1990s, he has made several albums based on jazz, holiday and Disney standards. He was married to the late Stephanie Tyrell, a long-time partner.

Source: Wikipedia

Manhattan
Steve Tyrell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We'll have Manhattan
The Bronx and Staten Island, too
It's lovely going through the Zoo

It's very fancy
On old Delancey Street, you know
The subway charms us so
When balmy breezes blow

To and fro

I'd like to take a
Sail on Jamaica Bay with you,
And fair Canarsie's Lakes we'll view

The city's bustle cannot destroy
The dreams of a girl and boy
We'll turn Manhattan
Into an isle of joy

And tell me what street
Compares with Mott Street in July?
Sweet pushcarts gently gli--ding by

The great big city's a wondrous toy
Just made for a girl and boy
We'll turn Manhattan into an isle of joy

Into an isle of joy
We'll turn Manhattan into an isle of joy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Steve Tyrell's song "Manhattan" are an ode to the vibrancy and excitement of living in New York City. The first verse sets the scene, inviting the listener to explore multiple boroughs of the city, including Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island. The mention of the zoo creates imagery of strolling through Central Park and taking in the various sights, smells and sounds of the city. The second verse mentions Old Delancey Street and the subway, highlighting how the mundane aspects of city life can still charm and captivate its residents.

The third verse is a romantic invitation to sail on Jamaica Bay and view Canarsie's Lakes, while the fourth speaks to the enchantment that the city holds regardless of its bustling nature. The lyrics suggest that the city can almost serve as a playground for young love, with the singer stating that they will "turn Manhattan into an isle of joy."

Overall, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the excitement and possibilities of living in the city that never sleeps. "Manhattan" celebrates the gritty charm and energy of New York, while also highlighting its more romantic and adventurous aspects.

Line by Line Meaning

We'll have Manhattan
Let's go to Manhattan

The Bronx and Staten Island, too
We'll also visit The Bronx and Staten Island

It's lovely going through the Zoo
We'll enjoy visiting the zoo

It's very fancy
The place is high-class

On old Delancey Street, you know
We can stroll around Delancey Street

The subway charms us so
We're fascinated by the subway

When balmy breezes blow, to and fro
We'll enjoy the pleasant, back-and-forth breezes

I'd like to take a sail on Jamaica Bay with you
I want to go boating with you on Jamaica Bay

And fair Canarsie's Lakes we'll view
We'll also check out the beautiful lakes in Canarsie

The city's bustle cannot destroy
Despite the city's hustle and bustle

The dreams of a girl and boy
Our dreams won't be lost