New York
The Milk Carton Kids (live) Lyrics


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You said it just right I never stay
Long enough to fight I just run away
And it's you my love it's you I'm running from

You were mistaken you are to blame
Lately I've taken to getting my own way
Yes, it's you my love it's you I'm running from
I'll be in New York send for me when you want more
I'll be in New York without you like before

I'm never lonely off making trails
Passed on the only woman dressed in veil
Oh, it's you my love it's you I'm running from

When your beds empty will I appear
In dreams you so badly wish could draw me near
Oh, it's you my love it's you I'm running from





I'll be in New York send for me when you want more
I'll be in New York without you like before

Overall Meaning

The Milk Carton Kids' song "New York" is a reflective and emotional piece that explores themes of escapism, self-blame, and the fear of commitment. The opening lines, "You said it just right, I never stay long enough to fight, I just run away," set the tone for the song, with the singer admitting that they tend to avoid conflict and responsibility by running away. The chorus, "It's you my love it's you I'm running from," reinforces the idea that it is their fear of commitment and attachment that is causing them to flee from their lover.


The second verse reveals that the singer blames their lover for their own behavior, saying "You were mistaken you are to blame, lately I've taken to getting my own way." This suggests a deeper insecurity and a desire to shift responsibility onto someone else. The line, "I'm never lonely off making trails, passed on the only woman dressed in veil," portrays the singer as a lone wanderer, always moving forward and never looking back. Yet, despite their attempts at freedom, the singer admits that they are haunted by their lover's absence, asking "When your bed's empty will I appear, in dreams you so badly wish could draw me near."


Overall, "New York" is a complex and introspective song with a poignant message. It speaks to the fear of being trapped in a relationship, the desire to be free and explore, and the difficulty of reconciling these conflicting emotions.


Line by Line Meaning

You said it just right I never stay
You accurately described the situation where I don't stick around for long


Long enough to fight I just run away
Instead of facing conflict, I tend to flee


And it's you my love it's you I'm running from
You are the one that I'm trying to escape from


You were mistaken you are to blame
You misunderstood the situation and you're at fault


Lately I've taken to getting my own way
I've been prioritizing my own desires and needs the most


Yes, it's you my love it's you I'm running from
I'm trying to stay away from you because I blame you for my problems


I'll be in New York send for me when you want more
I'll move away to New York, but you can still reach out to me if you need me


I'll be in New York without you like before
I'll be living in New York without you, just like I used to


I'm never lonely off making trails
I don't feel lonely as I travel and explore new places


Passed on the only woman dressed in veil
I ignored the only woman I saw wearing a veil


Oh, it's you my love it's you I'm running from
My fear and escape are both directed towards you, my love


When your beds empty will I appear
Will I only show up when you're lonely and in need?


In dreams you so badly wish could draw me near
Only in your dreams do you hope for my presence


Oh, it's you my love it's you I'm running from
I'm running from you, my love, because of the emotional baggage between us




Contributed by Jake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Neto Saavedra

this song is such a masterpiece

Simone Ortisi

I think so.

Jon Wittenberg

Wow! Not since Simon and Garfunkel have I heard such nice harmonies! Really dig this!

Davis Millard

Fantastic!!! I'll listen to these two all day, beautiful harmonies, excellent guitar work. True art here.

Xavier Zano

Excellent ! Great guitar work and heavenly harmonies...

B Tanner

Why you aren't the most popular band in the country is beyond me. I've been a fan ever since I saw you performance on "Tiny Desk Concert". I have your "Ash ampersand Clay" album and I'm looking forward to your next product. "New York" is my second favorite song after "Like a Cloak".

Jacob Boy

haha why did you spell out "ampersand"

Sean Matthew King

Jacob Boy Probably because Joey specifically says it that way during the concert.

Mª Dolores Alonso Becerril

Lindas voces, oreciosa música y mágica ciudad. Me encanta!

Alison

Great job guys.

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