City
Y & T Lyrics
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Don't know if it's night or day
A little gypsy blood
Sure seems to go a long way
Time's gettin' tough
So, I'm getting tougher
Just let the music rock these blues away
Another day here and gone
Acetylene, gasoline, Jimmy Beam
Keeps us movin' on
Rockin' and rollin'
All my sweat and blood
Backstage floozies, all lookin' for love
CHORUS:
Take me to the city
Back home where I belong
Back to the city
Rock me all night long
Take me to the city
Back home where I belong
Hot town, big city
Rockin' all night long
Knock, knock, knock
Knockin' on the devil's door
Get a little, give a lot
But you always gotta give more
One day you're in, then
Next day you're out
Livin' on the edge is what it's all about
CHORUS
The lyrics to Y&T's song "City" speak of the life of a touring musician, specifically one who has been on the road for nine months straight. The first verse talks about feeling lost in time due to the constant travel and how music is the one thing that can lift their spirits during these tough times. The second verse speaks of the different substances and drinks that keep the band fueled and moving from one city to the next, as well as the backstage encounters with fans who are looking for love.
The chorus brings the focus back to the city and the idea of going back to where they belong. Despite the hardships of touring, being in the city and performing is where the band feels most at home. The use of "rock me all night long" emphasizes the energy and passion that goes into performing their music.
The final verse talks about the sacrifices that come with being a musician - giving a lot but always having to give more. It also speaks to the unpredictability of the music industry, where one day you can be successful and the next day you can be out of the game entirely. Living on the edge is part of the experience, and for this musician, it's what makes it all worth it.
Overall, the lyrics speak to the highs and lows of life on the road and the love that musicians have for their craft.
Line by Line Meaning
Nine months on the road
Y&T has been touring for nine months continuously
Don't know if it's night or day
Due to constant travel, the band members have lost track of time
A little gypsy blood
The band has a nomadic spirit and loves to travel from place to place
Sure seems to go a long way
Their love for travel helps them endure the long tours
Time's gettin' tough
The music industry is facing tough times
So, I'm getting tougher
The band members are becoming more resilient to cope with the challenges
Just let the music rock these blues away
They use their own music to lift their spirits and forget the struggles of touring
Caught up in a jet stream
The band is traveling by air to move from one place to another quickly
Another day here and gone
Days seem to pass quickly due to constant touring
Acetylene, gasoline, Jimmy Beam
These substances may be used to fuel their travels
Keeps us movin' on
These substances also give them energy to continue touring
Rockin' and rollin'
The band is working hard to deliver great performances
All my sweat and blood
The band is putting their heart and soul into their work
Backstage floozies, all lookin' for love
There are groupies hanging around backstage, hoping to get attention from band members
Take me to the city
The band wants to go back to their hometown, which they consider their comfort zone
Back home where I belong
The band members feel a sense of belonging and comfort in their hometown
Hot town, big city
Their hometown is a bustling and vibrant city
Rockin' all night long
They want to play music all night and entertain their fans
Knock, knock, knock
Life is uncertain, and anything can happen at any time
Knockin' on the devil's door
The band is facing challenges that they need to overcome
Get a little, give a lot
The band gives their all to their music and fans, even if they receive little in return
But you always gotta give more
The band needs to work harder to achieve success in the music industry
One day you're in, then
Success in the music industry can be fickle and unpredictable
Next day you're out
One moment you can be on top of the world, and the next moment you could be out of favor
Livin' on the edge is what it's all about
The music industry is volatile, and it takes a lot of hard work, talent, and perseverance to succeed
Contributed by Christian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.