New York Was Great
The Raveonettes Lyrics

The Raveonettes's song "New York Was Great" explores the theme of nostalgia and looking back on a time in one's life that was full of excitement and possibility. The repeating chorus of "And New York was great and we loved it all" highlights the sense of longing for a time when everything seemed possible, and the verses provide glimpses into the experiences that made it so memorable.

The first verse acknowledges the passage of time and the way that it can weigh on a person's shoulders. Despite the feeling of being weighed down, the memories of the fun times in New York still shine through. The line "What a shame" could refer to the fact that time inevitably brings change and loss, or it could be a more personal lament for the singer's own inability to hold onto that sense of excitement and possibility.

In the second verse, the focus shifts to the nightlife of New York City. The dark, painted black with fun, provides a backdrop for memories of revelry and excess. Again, the light shining through could represent the way that memories of those experiences have endured, despite the intervening years. The repeated refrain of "What a drag" could be interpreted in a few different ways - it could refer to the way that the passage of time has dulled the experience, or it could be a kind of rueful acknowledgement of the consequences of those wild, carefree nights.

The final verse is perhaps the most wistful, with its references to drunk promises and starry skies. The sense of adventure and possibility is still present here, but the "trip" that the lyrics refer to now has elements of escapism and nostalgia. In the end, the repeated refrain of "What a trip" seems to suggest that the memories of that time are both intoxicating and slightly surreal, with a bittersweet sense of loss lurking just beneath the surface.