New York New York
Will.I.Am Lyrics


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As the party clears out one by one
At the end of the night
You're still lyin' on the couch
'Cause to get up means sayin' goodbye

You linger at the front door
The last one to leave
I ask where you're headed
You just say, "We'll see"

Where will you go
If it isn't home?
No cars on the road
You just drive, drive

You wanna live in a loft in New York
And be somebody new
That the city that never can sleep
Would be perfect for you

Probably won't be there
Very much at all
Dancin' at the 1OAK
'Til they say last call

Where will you go
If it isn't home?
You can't be alone (alone)
So you just drive, drive

Mm
Mm

Are you off to New York, your new destination? (mm)
Are you off to New York to feel like you made it? (Mm)
I hope you get there
I hope you get there




I hope you get there (to feel like you made it)
I hope you get there

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to will.i.am's song New York New York present a bold and boastful representation of city life and hip-hop culture. The lyrics are full of complex metaphors and allusions to popular culture, with will.i.am describing himself as a jack of all trades and boasting about his ability to take on any challenge. He also takes shots at other rappers who he feels are not up to his level, dismissing them as amateurish and lacking in talent. The chorus is a repetitive refrain that emphasizes the fact that will.i.am and his collaborators are the true representatives of the real New York, echoing the idea that there is a distinct culture and style associated with the city that only true insiders can fully appreciate.


The overall theme of the song is one of empowerment and confidence, with will.i.am using his lyrics to establish himself as a powerful force in the world of rap music. He paints a vision of life in New York that is both gritty and glamorous, full of danger and excitement but also underpinned by a sense of artistic creativity and individuality. The song celebrates the diversity of the city and its culture, with references to everything from barbecues in the park to citi bikes to denim overalls. At the same time, however, it also presents a vision of New York that is difficult and competitive, where only the strongest and most talented survive.


Line by Line Meaning

Sosa I promise
I solemnly swear or guarantee


Sosa Sosa Sosa
Repetition to emphasize the previous line


Hey yo I'm all better
I am fully recovered or healed


Far as trades go, jack of all
I am skilled in many different areas or professions


Back and forth
Engaging in a continuous exchange or debate


Preponderance of y'all
The majority or overwhelming number of individuals


Jabberjaws jacking off
Talking excessively and idly without purpose or accomplishment


Don't make me take my jacket off
A warning to stop provoking or tempting a confrontation


Knock it off
Stop or cease the action or behavior


Check out them broads I be knocking off
Take notice of the women I am romantically involved with


Dropping off
Leaving a place or person


Top it off
Conclude or finish something


Anytime I take a loss, shake it off (word)
I do not dwell on failures or setbacks but rather move on


You don't want no beef stroganoff
You do not want to start a fight or argument


You don't get no beats, you just be strokin' off
You do not receive any music or attention, but rather engage in self-gratification


You don't get broken off
You do not receive any rewards, recognition or payment


You are not hot enough for taking they clothing off
You are not attractive or desirable enough to persuade someone to undress


You are not cold enough
You lack the necessary skills or qualities to succeed


I am not going hard I'm holding off
I am not fully using my abilities or resources at the moment but waiting for the right opportunity


Go and take Tylenol
Take pain relief medication


You do not got the balls
You do not have the courage or audacity


You don't know how to ball, not at all
You are not skilled at playing basketball or succeeding in life


You might need Ritalin or Adderall
You may require medication to help with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder


You might be better off sitting at your pad playing paddleball
You may have a more fulfilling life by engaging in a simple or solitary activity


You don't wanna battle with a cat with my catalogue
You do not want to compete with my music or achievements


Digital or analogue
Refers to different types of recording or playback technology


Even with a cannonball or cattle prod
Even if using extreme force or pain to motivate or threaten


Better flee to Myanmar or Zanzibar
You would be wise to escape or flee to a different location


Peeling through Babylon
Traversing or moving quickly through a chaotic or troubled environment


Hands not on handlebars
Not in full control or responsibility


You ain't got the acumen to handle bars
You lack the skill or intelligence to manage difficult situations


You should just pack it in
You should quit or give up


You are just saccharin mallomars
You are insincere or sweet in a superficial or unappealing way


Know that y'all fans of ours
Understand that you are admirers of us


You talk shit like senators
You engage in dishonest or meaningless conversation like politicians


Go half ass like minotaurs
Halfhearted or incomplete effort like mythical creatures with human and bull parts


Homey we the Julliard
We are highly skilled and respected like a prestigious art school


Rest of y'all are kindergarten
The rest of you are of low skill or knowledge level


Me and I Am Many like oil and vinegar
We are complementary but distinct individuals


Bar hopping, car robbing, purse snatching
Engaging in illicit or criminal activity


Rapping a perverse verse in reverse, he first
Delivering obscene or objectionable lyrics backwards, cleverly or sarcastically


It's me verse the earth, (breath) nickel bag of dirt
It is a battle or competition between myself and the world or reality, which is insignificant


Triple fat goose & boom box booming
Wearing a popular brand of jacket and playing loud and trendy music


Ba ba ba ba ba ba booming
Repetition of the sound of music or other loud noises


I'm at the park doing the barbecue
Having a relaxed and social gathering with grilled food


Sharp du, due to what the barber do
Clean and well-groomed appearance due to the work of a skilled barber


Barbra cute, little mean
Admiring someone's attractive appearance despite their negative qualities


I don't mean to bother you
I do not intend to cause discomfort or annoyance


I do mean to borrow you
I want to spend time with or accompany you


There's a part of me that goes with a part of you
We have a significant connection or bond


Seeing citi bikes go unharmed is horrible
Observing expensive bicycles being left unattended or unsecured and vulnerable is distressing


Don't these yuppie fuck heads bother you?
A rhetorical question expressing annoyance or disgust towards affluent and entitled individuals


Now you're wearing helmets, some pair of balls
Wearing safety gear does not make you brave or courageous


Hope you make the wrong turn somewhere and fall
Wishing someone failure or harm due to their arrogance or ignorance


The white wife beater reign supreme over all with the exception of the denim overalls
A simple white undershirt is the most popular and iconic clothing, except for denim overalls


Fuck it it's IAMMANY, shit try to impress him
Disregarding or rejecting any attempts to impress or flatter the artist


I step in the session rep'n the reckoning
I enter the music recording session representing a great punishment or vengeance


Beckoning veterans
Requesting or attracting experienced and respected individuals


Stepping to better men
Confronting or challenging individuals who are superior or more accomplished


But I'm OK Solo, the incredible letterman
I am capable of doing things on my own, like a skilled composer or writer


They don't want to let him in, cause they don't want to let him win
Others are reluctant to include or acknowledge the singer because they are afraid of their talent or success


A gentleman slash Rebel, level x general, the greatest bravest fakers get the testicles Out
The singer is a polite but rebellious and powerful leader, who exposes the frauds and phonies


Tell 'em!
An exclamation to prompt or urge others to listen or understand




Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management
Written by: William Behlendorf, Samantha Creighton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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