Songwriters: Carter, Shawn;Hunte, Angela;Keyes, Bert;Keys, Alicia;Robinson, Sylvia;Sewell-ulepic, J;Shuckburgh, Al
Customize:
Yeah, yeah, I'ma up at Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca
Right next to De Niro, but I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere
I used to cop in Harlem, all of my Dominicanos
Right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonald's
Took it to my stash spot, 560 State Street
Catch me in the Kitchen like a Simmons whipping pastry
Cruising down 8th Street, off-white Lexus
Driving so slow, but BK is from Texas
Me, I'm up at Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie
Now I live on Billboard, and I brought my boys with me
Say what up to Ty Ty, still sipping malta
Sitting courtside, Knicks and Nets give me high fives
Nigga, I be spiked out, I can trip a referee
Tell by my attitude that I am most definitely from
In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you, let's hear it for New York
New York, New York
(I made you hot, nigga)
Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game
Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can
You should know I bleed blue, but I ain't a Crip though
But I got a gang of niggas walking with my clique, though
Welcome to the melting pot, corners where we selling rock
Afrika Bambaataa shit, home of the hip hop
Yellow Cab, Gypsy Cab, Dollar Cab, holla back
For foreigners that ain't fifty, they act like they forgot how to act
Eight million stories out there, and they're naked
Cities is a pity, half of y'all won't make it
Me, I gotta plug, Special Ed "I Got It Made"
If Jesus payin' LeBron, I'm paying Dwyane Wade
Three dice, Cee-lo, three-card Monte
Labor Day Parade, rest in peace, Bob Marley
Statue of Liberty, long live the World Trade
Long live the king, yo, I'm from the Empire State that's
[ Jay-Z Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you, let's hear it for New York
New York, New York
Lights is blinding, girls need blinders
So they can step out of bounds quick
The sidelines is blind with casualties
Who sipping life casually, then gradually become worse
Don't bite the apple, Eve, caught up in the in crowd
Now you're in style and in the winter gets cold
En vogue with your skin out, the city of sin is a pity on a whim
Good girls gone bad, the cities filled with them
Mommy took a bus trip, now she got her bust out
Everybody ride her just like a bus route
Hail Mary to the city, you're a virgin
And Jesus can't save you, life starts when the church ends
Came here for school, graduated to the high life
Ball players, rap stars addicted to the limelight
MDMA got you feeling like a champion
The city never sleeps, better slip you an Ambien
In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you, let's hear it for New York
New York, New York
One hand in the air for the big city
Street lights, big dreams all looking pretty
No place in the world that can compare
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Come on, come on)
In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you, let's hear it for New York
New York, New York
Yeah, yeah, I'ma up at Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca
Right next to De Niro, but I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
I really like this song. There’s something about it that draws you in and makes you want to listen. I haven’t ever been to New York, but the song has given me an idea in the rough about what it is like – bright lights that can inspire you but also a pitiless side that would dare to expose the other side of the seemingly most innocent of people. I do not think “Jesus can’t save you” had a literal meaning, I believe he meant Jesus cannot shield you from whatever you would have to encounter on the streets of NY whether good or bad and whether inspiring or otherwise because as he put it, the real “life starts when church ends” so you have to go out and face it yourself. I think life is one big Mona Lisa smile, you would see what you want to see in the lyrics. Personally I think he hit the right note with that sentence, it was a poetic good summary of the situation.
Also I really liked how Alicia Keys was dancing along even while playing the piano. She had an intensity about her that elevated the songs likeability for me. I think the combination of JayZ and Alicia Keys here was explosive!!!
i love this sone it soooo cool i think it cool to think about it some man (jay-z) can write any type of song and become famous!!!!
but he is great so i shouldn't be talking
I'm a blonde, lily-white, 53 year old Lutheran Grandma from Iowa. I have adored Jay-Z since I first heard him with Linkin Park. I interpreted the line, "And Jesus can’t save you life starts when the church ends" to mean that we can't just show up at Church on Sunday, ask Jesus to save us, and then when Church is over, go back to everyday life and our evil ways and habits. We have to do our part even after Church ends. And I think Jay certainly does his part. This man definitely has his heart in the right place.
Love LOVE LOOOOOVVVVEEE this song! Jay-Z is THE man, no doubt about it. F all you haters.. Jay-Z does not diss Jesus.. he actually has a strong faith. I donot know exactly what he means by that line, I'm not him, but I know that it is not negative towards Jesus. Where does he refer to weed or any drugs in this song? What does it matter anyway? Just listen to the song. If you dont like it, turn it off! That is your right, and Jay-Z has the right to express himself.
refering back to the comments about race me personally i feel that us as blacks have a greater appreciation for good music, because there was a time when that was all we had! But anyway thiis song rocks to hard and because of Jay "I'll be hood forever!"
wtf people.... why bad comments.. this lyrics is awesome... i used not to be rap song listener.. but i really like this song.. i could feel what he is saying it's all true... go to new york you will feel it...
Okay People if you actually read the lyrics to this ong you will See Now Note This " hes not dissing Jesus" hes telling the Truth Just because your in Church and you can prtend to obey and follow the rules once you are out do you still follow them. This is my Answer , i have to say no most people still go out in to the REAL WORLD with probelms and they struggle to live and obey these comand s and i have to tell you people this is what he is talking about hes not dissing anyone hes trying to speak from the his point of view and i see what hes talking about.
Wow...."Jesus can't save you, life begins when the church ends." Whoa. Is this really how he feels? Can a man with his influence be permitted to make statements like this? Is it ok if he makes another song saying Hitler is his role model and the Holocaust was necessary? Whoa. So I'm thinking that having money and influence makes it ok. Wow.
all of you creationists need to shut the hell up! its music, listen to it or dont, or even better yet learn to think for yourselves. keep on killn em jay, and we´ll keep on listening
i love this song i love jzay is awesome i love you guys peacce in the world and in new york that is where dreams are made i love alicia keys her voice is perfrect for this
I am appauled with the many sleeping Christians who over look the lyrics in this song. He says that "Jesus can't save you, life begins when the church ends." Wake up people!! If people can rally around Taylor Swift for Kanye West dissing her live at the awards and be disgusted, why are Christians not equally upset and rallying against Jay Z for his ignorant attempt to throw shade on Jesus Christ? If you are not serving the Lord which means respect and reverance then its satan who is ur master. Afterall, one cannot serve two masters. You either love one or hate the other. For many of you who may say oh its not that serious or he's just making a comparison. And being discriptive; ask yourselves if someone was making a song about ur mother or someone you love by using her name and likeness to rhyme & make money, would u blow it off and say oh well? Again, WAKE UP PEOPLE.
Great song, great lyrics, great beat, great hook. I see no reference to weed in this song- crack yes, ecstasy yes, weed no.
The lights and glamor of Time Square inspire the shit out of people- it's technology and civilization at its peak.
The fact that people are even bringing up race in this at shows how fucking stupid the majority of people are. Get the fuck out from behind your computer and hit the streets. I find people talk less shit out each other one on one. Also, LEARN HOW TO FUCKING SPELL, TYPE, AND TALK. White or black, if you want respect- speak like someone with some modicum of intelligence. Don't like it? Come down to Baltimore where all this white/black shit will get you killed- straight up. Respect or die.
I see no ill will towards Jesus in this song either- he's simply telling a story. Want your music to illicit no emotions and be as plain as whitebread? I suggest a nice recorder solo album.
Keep it up J.
PS - Yes, you can get some great fucking weed in NY- 2nd best only to Northern Cali.
1. I like this song but he couldn't just say Empire State of Mine?! And there's a lot of songs that have a title that isn't in the song.
2. Idk how lights inspire ppl. . .
3. Jay Z needs to stop making nonsense comments about Jesus
4. I love New York but seriously who cares about weed? Is that the best part of our state that he likes?
5. this song makes no sense to me and I think New York deserves better than this song. The best part about it is Alicia Keys [=
Im purple with pink polka dots and Hova rocks this song just like all those b4 he created. He is a talented rapper just like many others b4 and after him. If you r a tru music lover, you don't see boxes, boundries, or limitations. You hear an artist creating art. This is an ode to his hometown. They can be heard everyday in all genres of music. Don't hate. Appreciate. Even if the lyrics are not what you would personally think or endorse-- view it as art. Art is supposed to evoke all kinds of emotions. If it does.... he did something right. And if it is personally offensive, quietly disengage. No one will notice. Promise.
This is an amazing song cause its true well atleast the chorus I Love going to time square and just looking up. Makes you appreciate life and what you have..
ps what does a song have to do with anyones skin colour get over yourselves people they wanna know what you think of the song not what colour you think somones skin is.
I am white,and i love this song! i dance like no body is watchin'............Just dance it'll be okay da da doo doo!!!!!! so all yall people sayin this song is trash.......YOU IS ALL WHITE TRASH!!!!
I am white,and i love this song! i dance like no body is watchin'............Just dance it'll be okay da da doo doo!!!!!! so all yall people sayin this song is trash.......YOU IS ALL WHITE TRASH!!!!
Comments and Song Meanings
Comment by Anonymous
Nice one!!!!!!! Not particulary a fan of rap music, but this one I like!!!!!!!!
Comment by Anonymous
I really like this song. There’s something about it that draws you in and makes you want to listen. I haven’t ever been to New York, but the song has given me an idea in the rough about what it is like – bright lights that can inspire you but also a pitiless side that would dare to expose the other side of the seemingly most innocent of people. I do not think “Jesus can’t save you” had a literal meaning, I believe he meant Jesus cannot shield you from whatever you would have to encounter on the streets of NY whether good or bad and whether inspiring or otherwise because as he put it, the real “life starts when church ends” so you have to go out and face it yourself. I think life is one big Mona Lisa smile, you would see what you want to see in the lyrics. Personally I think he hit the right note with that sentence, it was a poetic good summary of the situation.
Also I really liked how Alicia Keys was dancing along even while playing the piano. She had an intensity about her that elevated the songs likeability for me. I think the combination of JayZ and Alicia Keys here was explosive!!!
Comment by Anonymous
i love this sone it soooo cool i think it cool to think about it some man (jay-z) can write any type of song and become famous!!!!
but he is great so i shouldn't be talking
Comment by Anonymous
I'm a blonde, lily-white, 53 year old Lutheran Grandma from Iowa. I have adored Jay-Z since I first heard him with Linkin Park. I interpreted the line, "And Jesus can’t save you life starts when the church ends" to mean that we can't just show up at Church on Sunday, ask Jesus to save us, and then when Church is over, go back to everyday life and our evil ways and habits. We have to do our part even after Church ends. And I think Jay certainly does his part. This man definitely has his heart in the right place.
Comment by Anonymous
cool song yo wtf it kills. tell her to call me yo yo yo yo yo yo tell her to call me iight brah peace
Comment by Anonymous
Love LOVE LOOOOOVVVVEEE this song! Jay-Z is THE man, no doubt about it. F all you haters.. Jay-Z does not diss Jesus.. he actually has a strong faith. I donot know exactly what he means by that line, I'm not him, but I know that it is not negative towards Jesus. Where does he refer to weed or any drugs in this song? What does it matter anyway? Just listen to the song. If you dont like it, turn it off! That is your right, and Jay-Z has the right to express himself.
Comment by Anonymous
This song is god for people in amaca so we have to be good to them HEHE YA JAY-Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Anonymous
Sh't I'm white and this is my sh't! Never been to NY and still love this sh't! Greensboro NC babyyy
Comment by Anonymous
refering back to the comments about race me personally i feel that us as blacks have a greater appreciation for good music, because there was a time when that was all we had! But anyway thiis song rocks to hard and because of Jay "I'll be hood forever!"
Comment by Anonymous
wtf people.... why bad comments.. this lyrics is awesome... i used not to be rap song listener.. but i really like this song.. i could feel what he is saying it's all true... go to new york you will feel it...
Comment by Anonymous
Okay People if you actually read the lyrics to this ong you will See Now Note This " hes not dissing Jesus" hes telling the Truth Just because your in Church and you can prtend to obey and follow the rules once you are out do you still follow them. This is my Answer , i have to say no most people still go out in to the REAL WORLD with probelms and they struggle to live and obey these comand s and i have to tell you people this is what he is talking about hes not dissing anyone hes trying to speak from the his point of view and i see what hes talking about.
Comment by jerayci
Wow...."Jesus can't save you, life begins when the church ends." Whoa. Is this really how he feels? Can a man with his influence be permitted to make statements like this? Is it ok if he makes another song saying Hitler is his role model and the Holocaust was necessary? Whoa. So I'm thinking that having money and influence makes it ok. Wow.
Comment by Anonymous
all of you creationists need to shut the hell up! its music, listen to it or dont, or even better yet learn to think for yourselves. keep on killn em jay, and we´ll keep on listening
Comment by Anonymous
i love this song i love jzay is awesome i love you guys peacce in the world and in new york that is where dreams are made i love alicia keys her voice is perfrect for this
Comment by Anonymous
i love this song it is the best i love it because im from new york and i think its really good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Anonymous
I am appauled with the many sleeping Christians who over look the lyrics in this song. He says that "Jesus can't save you, life begins when the church ends." Wake up people!! If people can rally around Taylor Swift for Kanye West dissing her live at the awards and be disgusted, why are Christians not equally upset and rallying against Jay Z for his ignorant attempt to throw shade on Jesus Christ? If you are not serving the Lord which means respect and reverance then its satan who is ur master. Afterall, one cannot serve two masters. You either love one or hate the other. For many of you who may say oh its not that serious or he's just making a comparison. And being discriptive; ask yourselves if someone was making a song about ur mother or someone you love by using her name and likeness to rhyme & make money, would u blow it off and say oh well? Again, WAKE UP PEOPLE.
Comment by Anonymous
Great song, great lyrics, great beat, great hook. I see no reference to weed in this song- crack yes, ecstasy yes, weed no.
The lights and glamor of Time Square inspire the shit out of people- it's technology and civilization at its peak.
The fact that people are even bringing up race in this at shows how fucking stupid the majority of people are. Get the fuck out from behind your computer and hit the streets. I find people talk less shit out each other one on one. Also, LEARN HOW TO FUCKING SPELL, TYPE, AND TALK. White or black, if you want respect- speak like someone with some modicum of intelligence. Don't like it? Come down to Baltimore where all this white/black shit will get you killed- straight up. Respect or die.
I see no ill will towards Jesus in this song either- he's simply telling a story. Want your music to illicit no emotions and be as plain as whitebread? I suggest a nice recorder solo album.
Keep it up J.
PS - Yes, you can get some great fucking weed in NY- 2nd best only to Northern Cali.
Comment by Anonymous
1. I like this song but he couldn't just say Empire State of Mine?! And there's a lot of songs that have a title that isn't in the song.
2. Idk how lights inspire ppl. . .
3. Jay Z needs to stop making nonsense comments about Jesus
4. I love New York but seriously who cares about weed? Is that the best part of our state that he likes?
5. this song makes no sense to me and I think New York deserves better than this song. The best part about it is Alicia Keys [=
Comment by Anonymous
i love this song this song it is so raw i will break down in tears gvdfdfgzdfgdfgdfgf
Comment by Anonymous
Im purple with pink polka dots and Hova rocks this song just like all those b4 he created. He is a talented rapper just like many others b4 and after him. If you r a tru music lover, you don't see boxes, boundries, or limitations. You hear an artist creating art. This is an ode to his hometown. They can be heard everyday in all genres of music. Don't hate. Appreciate. Even if the lyrics are not what you would personally think or endorse-- view it as art. Art is supposed to evoke all kinds of emotions. If it does.... he did something right. And if it is personally offensive, quietly disengage. No one will notice. Promise.
Comment by Anonymous
Being a native New Yorker I can only dance when I hear this song. No place on earth like it........
Comment by Anonymous
This is an amazing song cause its true well atleast the chorus I Love going to time square and just looking up. Makes you appreciate life and what you have..
ps what does a song have to do with anyones skin colour get over yourselves people they wanna know what you think of the song not what colour you think somones skin is.
Comment by Anonymous
I am white,and i love this song! i dance like no body is watchin'............Just dance it'll be okay da da doo doo!!!!!! so all yall people sayin this song is trash.......YOU IS ALL WHITE TRASH!!!!
Comment by Anonymous
I am white,and i love this song! i dance like no body is watchin'............Just dance it'll be okay da da doo doo!!!!!! so all yall people sayin this song is trash.......YOU IS ALL WHITE TRASH!!!!
Comment by Anonymous
i love that song!!!!!!!it is so cool. every time i listen to empire state of mind i always dance.
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