The band's first record, Fatboy (1992), established the band as a favorite of the same 1990s scene that became popular through bands such as the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, and Widespread Panic. moe. has toured with the 1997 Furthur Festival, appeared at Woodstock '99, have played in Central Park, were the opening band for The Allman Brothers and The Who, and performed at Radio City Music Hall on New Years Eve 2006 and 2007.
They also host the annual festival moe.down at Snow Ridge Ski Area in Turin, NY. Started in 2000, the festival runs for three days and occurs every Labor Day weekend. The festival has attracted a wide variety of musical talent. Acts range from newer bands just emerging onto the scene (such as Tea Leaf Green, Nellie McKay and Raq) to big name acts and jam rock staples, such as Les Claypool, Blues Traveler, and Mike Gordon (of Phish fame); to pop rock icons, such as Leo Kottke, The Flaming Lips, The Violent Femmes; and most recently, Perry Farrell. Each year, the amount of moe.down attendees has steadily increased. moe.down I attracted around 3,000 people while moe.down VI in 2005, had attracted close to 7,000.
During an interview, guitarist Al Schnier was asked to describe moe. for those who have never heard their music: "It's an amalgamation of a wide variety of the history of rock, all regurgitated and recycled through the eyes, ears, hands, whatever of the guys in our band and all of that with a sense of adventure, a sense of humor, also a constant desire to push the envelope. All in this arena of taking chances, improvising live, and making things up on the spot."
Their official site can be found at www.moe.org
New York City
moe. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drives his cab fifteen miles per hour down Broadway
Looks at me with his crooked smile while Gershwin plays
Hits his breaks and points out the freaks on St. Mark's place
Here we go
Its the rythmn of the rain that falls
Its a cab ride at five a.m.
New York City I'm coming home again
I sit and smile think about summer sundays and the roller skates
And their wigs and rainbow socks float past like a ballet
Peanut rosters poppin' up on every corner can't you taste that taste
Makes me long for an early morning ride on the subway
Its the rythmn of the rain that falls
Its a cab ride at five a.m.
Manhattan goddess with your Levis and curls
New York City I'm coming home again
You can steal a line on a phrase and wreck a company on cheer
Sign you off make you an artist make you a millionaire
Shake your hand pat your back give you a big white smile
Then they'll say that they're your biggest fans and share the love you star
Its the rythmn of the rain that falls
Its a cab ride at five a.m.
Manhattan goddess with your Levis and curls
New York City I'm coming home again
Its the rythmn of the rain that falls
Its a cab ride at five a.m.
Manhattan goddess with your Levis and curls
New York City I'm coming home again
Its the rythmn of the rain that falls
Its a cab ride at five a.m.
Manhattan goddess with your Levis and curls
New York City I'm coming home again
New York City I'm coming home again
New York City I'm coming home again
The opening lines of moe.'s song New York City paint a picture of an eccentric taxi driver driving down Broadway, while the music of George Gershwin plays on the radio. The cabbie is described as having a scar on his face and a peg leg, adding to the image of uniqueness and quirkiness. Despite his slow driving speed, the cab driver points out the "freaks" on St. Mark's Place, highlighting the diverse and unconventional atmosphere of New York City.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "It's the rhythm of the rain that falls, it's a cab ride at five a.m., Manhattan goddess with your Levi's and curls, New York City I'm coming home again." This refrain captures the essence of the city, with its bustling nightlife and unpredictable weather, as well as a sense of longing to return to a place that feels like home.
The second verse continues to paint a vivid picture of the city, with references to roller skates and rainbow socks, as well as the tantalizing aroma of roasted peanuts on every street corner. The lyrics also touch on the cut-throat nature of the city's creative industries, where artists can be exploited by companies looking to profit off their talent.
Overall, moe.'s New York City is a love letter to the city, capturing its eccentricities, its frenetic energy, and its ability to feel like home to those who have lived there.
Line by Line Meaning
Want a man with a scar on his face and a peg leg
I desire a unique taxi driver with distinguishable scars and disabilities.
Drives his cab fifteen miles per hour down Broadway
He slowly drives down one of the busiest streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Looks at me with his crooked smile while Gershwin plays
As Gershwin's music fills the air, the driver exudes a charming, crooked grin while glancing my way.
Hits his breaks and points out the freaks on St. Mark's place
He slams on his brakes and eagerly shows me the unusual characters that occupy the famous street.
I sit and smile think about summer sundays and the roller skates
I reminisce about relaxing summer days and gleeful roller skating.
And their wigs and rainbow socks float past like a ballet
As they skate by, their colorful outfits move gracefully like a ballet dance.
Peanut rosters poppin' up on every corner can't you taste that taste
Street vendors selling roasted peanuts are at every turn, tempting me with their delicious aroma.
Makes me long for an early morning ride on the subway
The scent of peanuts makes me yearn for early morning subway rides through the city.
You can steal a line on a phrase and wreck a company on cheer
Someone can plagiarize and misuse a simple phrase, ultimately leading to the downfall of a business.
Sign you off make you an artist make you a millionaire
Others can sign off on your work and turn you into a successful artist with a lot of wealth.
Shake your hand pat your back give you a big white smile
They offer a friendly handshake, a congratulatory pat on the back, and a glowing smile.
Then they'll say that they're your biggest fans and share the love you star
They'll proclaim their devoted fandom and spread the word about your art, turning you into a celebrated star.
Its the rythmn of the rain that falls
The steady sound of rain falling creates an alluring ambiance.
Its a cab ride at five a.m.
A taxi journey in the early hours of the morning holds a certain charm.
Manhattan goddess with your Levis and curls
The city possesses a captivating allure, embodied by the stylish inhabitants in their jeans and curly hair.
New York City I'm coming home again
I'm eagerly making my way back to the city that holds a special place in my heart.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WINFRED LOVETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind