New York City
Steve and the Jerks 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
The song “New York, New York” by Steve and the Jerks became an instant classic upon its release in 1984. The song is an ode to the city of New York, with the lyrics capturing the feelings of excitement, ambition, and endless possibilities that are often associated with the city. The song opens with the iconic line “Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today, I want to be a part of it, New York, New York” which sets the tone for the rest of the song.
The lyrics go on to describe the singer’s desire to wander through the heart of the city with his “vagabond shoes,” and to wake up in a city that never sleeps. The chorus repeats the phrase “New York, New York” which serves to reinforce the idea that the city is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking success and fulfillment. The lyrics also include the lines “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere,” which has become a popular saying that encapsulates the idea that if one can succeed in New York, they can succeed anywhere.
Overall, the song is an uplifting and motivating tribute to New York City, capturing the magic and allure of the city that continues to attract people from all over the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Start spreading the news
Let the world know about my plans
I'm leaving today
I'm departing now
I want to be a part of it
I desire to be involved in it
New York, New York
The city I'm talking about is New York
These vagabond shoes are longing to stray
My wandering feet are itching to explore and roam freely
Right through the very heart of it
Straight to the center of the city
New York, New York
The city I'm talking about is New York
I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep
I desire to be in a city that is always lively and active
And find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
To establish myself as the most prominent, successful person in the city
These little town blues are melting away
All the sadness and regret about my small town life is disappearing
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
I plan on beginning a fresh new chapter in my life in the city of New York
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
If I can succeed in New York City, I can triumph anywhere in the world
It's up to you, New York, New York
The success of my venture in the city depends on its support and acceptance of me
New York, New York, New York
Reiteration that the city I'm referring to is New York
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps
I desire to be in a city that is always alive and bustling
And find I'm a number one, top of the list
To establish myself as the most prominent, successful person in the city
These little town blues are melting away
All the sadness and regret about my small town life is disappearing
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
I plan on beginning a fresh new chapter in my life in the city of New York
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
If I can succeed in New York City, I can triumph anywhere in the world
It's up to you, New York, New York, New York
Reiteration that the success of my venture in the city depends on its support and acceptance of me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Fred Ebb, John Kander
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind