Jay-Z - Empire State Of Mind* Lyrics

[feat. Alicia Keys]

Yeah

[Verse 1: Jay-Z]
Yea I'm out that Brooklyn, now I'm down in TriBeCa
right next to Deniro, but I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra, and... since I made it here
I can make it anywhere, yea, they love me everywhere
I used to cop in Harlem, all of my Dominicano's
right there up on Broadway, pull me back to that McDonald's
Took it to my stashbox, 560 State St.
catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons with them Pastry's
Cruisin' down 8th St., off white Lexus
drivin' so slow, but BK is from Texas
Me, I'm out that Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie
now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
Say what's up to Ty-Ty, still sippin' mai tai's
sittin' courtside, Knicks & Nets give me high five
Nigga I be Spike'd out, I could trip a referee
Tell by my attitude that I'm most definitely from....

[Chorus: Alicia Keys]
New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothin' 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

[Verse 2: Jay-Z]
Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game
Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous then a Yankee can
You should know I bleed blue, but I ain't a Crip though
but I got a gang of niggas walkin' with my clique though
Welcome to the melting pot, corners where we sellin' rock
Afrika Bambataa shit, home of the hip-hop
Yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab, holla back
for foreigners it ain't for, they act like they forgot how to act
8 million stories, out there in it naked
City, it's a pity, half of y'all won't make it
Me, I got a plug, Special Ed "I Got It Made"
If Jeezy's payin' LeBron, I'm payin' Dwyane Wade
Three dice cee-lo, three Card Monty
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

[Chorus:]

[Verse 3: Jay-Z]
Lights is blinding, girls need blinders
so they can step out of bounds quick, the sidelines is
lined with casualties, who sip to life casually
then gradually become worse, don't bite the apple eve
Caught up in the in-crowd, now you're in style
Anna Wintour gets cold, in Vogue with your skin out
City of sin, it's a pity on the wind
Good girls gone bad, the city's filled with them
Mami 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 end
Came here for school, graduated to the high life
Ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight
MDMA got you feelin' like a champion
The city never sleeps, better slip you an Ambien

[Chorus:]

[Bridge: Alicia Keys]
One hand in the air for the big city
Street lights, big dreams, all lookin' pretty
No place in the world that could compare
Put your lighters in the air
Everybody say "yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"

[Chorus:]

• Marc-Andre Leveille

  City of Jay-Z.. Thanks for remind me of being there last year...

• Rageev Dona Fullo

  andami

• Frosticicle Pangilinan

  like

• Anonymous

  Back in the mid 90's, there was a brother in Japan called "Minister KB" I think he's in D.C. now
  Check out CD's "When I Was Alive" and "The Blood Of Jesus" to see what "Salvation Rap" is truly all about
  
  Anonymous

• Anonymous

  People are so caught-up with the melody of a song that they don't mind the lyrics anymore. As long as a song sounds good, people don't mind if the lyrics are obscene, violent or blasphemous anymore. The person who sang the song obviously doesn't know what he is saying about Jesus. May God forgive him.

• ladytee7

  To the person that wrote the following comment on December 5, 2009:
  "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,",
  
  this statement is not true, Jesus can shield you from the streets of NY and everything else. Example, my first trip to NY (and I've been back about 3 times since), my husband and I got lost walking around the city late one night. We finally found the street leading back to our hotel, but we had to go down a dark street. A man came up backward us and asked us for money. He said he just got out of jail and having a hard time, and then he added that he was trying to do the right thing this time without turning to crime, so that's why he was asking us from the money instead.
  
  We give him all the cash we had, about $20 (it was the last day of our trip). We both realized that it was God (Jesus) that was with us in that situation, and that situation could have turned out a lot worse, and it probably does every day on the streets of NY. But Jesus saved us that day, and I appreciate and love HIM for saving me, in this life and in the next one. I hope my testimony touch someone's heart, maybe even jay-z; as long as there's life, it's never too late for anyone to change.

• Anonymous

  Seriously people? It`s a song, get over it. And for the love of god, go back to school to learn how to spell and work on your grammar too.

• Anonymous

  WTF I heard that jay z hopes his song can replace New York New York by Sinatra.
  LOL Right only in a donked ou bubble rollin on tirdyfoes
  (translation retired police Chevy Impala jacked up like an off road truck with some 34 inch wheels)

• Anonymous

  So what does the line don't bite the apple Eve mean? Wouldn't that mean don't be mislead by Satan. You've to read all the verses together. Don't harp on one line. I think that what Jay is saying is that this girl came to town with the goal of just hooking up with famous guys, partying and becoming famous. That she has lost her spirituality in the process. Rappers are like poets they explain a situation. Why not look at a Jay-Z song like Pray. Where's he asking God for forgiveness and say he's praying to God. You might want to check that song out from the American Gangster album.

• Anonymous

  been a Christian foeva but i like the songs. who cares about the lyrics Jay-Z just needs the Lord

• Anonymous

  Jesus Christ lives forever and no one to compare with him, the devil respects him so much, and takes at high speed whenever the name JESUS CHRIST is being mentioned. jayz should put that into his real head, I love Jesus christ my saviour and my helper and i do also have interest in this song cuz it tells about new york a place of hustlers.

• Anonymous

  we as sons of Adam an Eve shall noe better that every other human chooses his own way of life.. Cos at de end of everythin, nobody is accountable for his own life other than himself.. So let him do wat he wanna do.. if he's goin to hell, his goin alone.. on de other note, he diss who or wat it doesnt matter to him cos i bet that he's making BIGGER bukcs than anyone who made a comment on de lyrics..

• Anonymous

  i tOtally Agree w/ d' cOmments sAying dAt dis sOng is kindA hitting d' ChristiAns..
  I even gOt a lot of fUn as a ChristiAn cOz' i knOw Jesus is w/ me=)..
  cOrrectiOn! Jesus has alreAdy sAved us>bUt it's up tO us to accept Jesus as Our Lord and Personal Saviour, tO repent, ask fOr fOrgiveness, and be bAptized in Water n' Holy Spirit..
  
  thOse Church gOers hU are hypocrites>dey're only Christians in name!

• Anonymous

  If you care to take a look a t Jay-Z's lyrics in his other songs, this is not he first time that he makes reference to dissing Christianity and Jesus. As has been mentioned what has 'Jesus can't save you' got to do with New York? I love NY, my cousins live there and I have been plenty times. Every word is INTENTIONAL people! He, Jay-Z, is an intelligent brother so do not be fooled as he clearly is not trying to hid his allegiance.
  
  Jesus can defend himself. I am just putting it out there as so can Jay-Z, BUT this is more than music, read the BIBLE, this is a MESSAGE!

• Anonymous

  jayz dont what hes talking about he need to keep his little comments to himself about Christianity. if he worships the devil thats him but he need to keep his comments to himself .But i love the song.But people jesus can do anything and even Jay-Z should know that.

• Anonymous

  The implication of the statement Jesus Christ can't save you and life starts when the Church ends is not as innocent as some would want to have most believe. It's a direct shot at Christianity. Despite him trying to "preach" theology in a rap song...he clearly does show his allegiance with this statement. Whether he's trying to expose this supposedly christian girl in his song or not. The statement alone is proof enough. There's no sugar coating it...it's right there. The implication again for those who miss it is Jesus Christ can't save you because it's obvious he can't since every Church goer is usually a hypocrite and you can only enjoy life once you leave the Church. Ladies and Gents this is luciferianism 101. See Aleister Crowley's "Do What thou Wilt will be the whole of the law." Oh and by the way Jay-Z was wearing that quote on a sweatshirt in an interview. And Crowley is a known devil worshiper...so why would Jay-Hova (By the way blasphemous title) be wearing a quote from a known devil worshiper? Think about it...

• Anonymous

  i love jz and alicia keys they rock and i wish they were my brother and sister

• Anonymous

  LMFAO ITS if JEEZY's paying lebron im payin d. wade..
  Jeezy had a a song "use to pay kobe (24) now i pay lebron(23) its a drug reference for kilos....Jay Z is payin (3)....well he says he is in the song but he isnt...You white folks dont understand us nigga lips talking XD

• Anonymous

  JayZ's comments about Jesus are absolutely crazy. This brotha has sold his soul to the devil for real. Hope you like it hot cause you gonna have a long time to enjoy it.

• Anonymous

  jay z does not know what he is talkin bout,and jesus is the only one who can save you and the church will never end read your bible. When jesus comes back you will see that he will be the only one who can save you.

• Anonymous

  You need to live in NY to understand the lyrics, if you never been there before don't talk about it. Ignorant!!! This song describe the real NY city nothing to do with religion or Jesus

• Anonymous

  im sorry ppl but lil wanye and drake and tray songz are the best rappers for real tho and if does not belelive in the lord thats him i mean i beleive in the lord but thts him not me!!! and i love this song!!!!!!!!

• Anonymous

  if yall are looking for some song thats out to praise jesus listen to some freaking gospel music not rap. i think this song is perfect i love alicia keys and jay z! a lot! :)

• Anonymous

  i luuurrrvveee this song......... it is so amazing.alicia keys has anamazing ,fab.chorus. n Jay Z is just brill. i mean cume on.

• Anonymous

  If thats what jayz meant first of all he needs to come out more clear with his lyrics. then life starts when the church ends and jesus cant save you is a lie. because they are real life situations in the church everyday. people get set free from drugs and many more problems so he needs to make it more clear. believe it or not many pastors are already on that topic heavy just from his wording of that verse

• Anonymous

  okay...if he means that about fake church folk then he should have came out more clear because jesus can save you and there real life in the church...people on drugs that gets deliveres and many more problems...so he shouldve came out more clear with that because you can pick him apart by the wording he use and pastors are already on that topic

• Anonymous

  okay...if he means that about fake church folk then he should have came out more clear because jesus can save you and there real life in the church...people on drugs that gets deliveres and many more problems...so he shouldve came out more clear with that because you can pick him apart by the wording he use and pastors are already on that topic

• Anonymous

  this is amazing
  RANDOM LYRICS :s
  from ic x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
  x x x x x x x x sorry but it must be 75 letters
  x x x x x x x x xx x x

• Anonymous

  um People are taking the chist thing personal im not religous and its just a song i like alica keys parts but love jay zs rapping

• Anonymous

  yeah i agree wit dat theory people are silly Jay-Z is not a devil worshipper nor did he diss Jesus cuz I was about ready to throw all my Jay-Z albums out if he did diss Jesus Christ

• Anonymous

  i love this song cuz i can relate to it bcuz i was born and raised in brooklyn n.y. i also love tha colaboration wit jay.z and alicia o one more thing i have to get off my chest about why ppl hatin on jay-z about tha one comment he made in this song of christ.........FUCK OFF if he dosen't want to believ in God o well who tha hell are you to judge i dont c your stupid faggot asses making as much dough as he is so do me a favor and SHUT THA HELL UP CUZ YOU ARE NOBODYZZZZZZ!!!!

• Anonymous

  Jesus Christ is Lord and SAVIOUR!!!and jay... Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess.

• Anonymous

  I think that song is one of the best songs i've ever heard before. I was with my friend the other night and her dad kept fooling around and singing it. It is a very good song.

• Anonymous

  you guys suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!no realy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Anonymous

  The truth is the JZ loves Jesus ,...he has'nt notice... He is obssesed with jesus so he does believe in him!! he is in denial! :P

• Anonymous

  i love this song this is my ringtone on my cell..... this song is like one of the best songs in the U.S. Jay Z look good in this video...

• Anonymous

  JAY Z IS THE BEST RAPPER, BEST ARTIST ALIVE. HE IS THE INSPIRATION TO MANY HUMAN BEING ON EARTH EVEN MYSELF. EACH EVRY ALBUM HE RELEASES IS A KILLER. JAY YOU'RE THE BEST. "PA CAUGHT YA'"

• Anonymous

  i luv the alicia keyz part but i think jay's words bout jesus is inappropriate. im no white im black.

• Anonymous

  i lov diz song it is wat i call music jay-z has always been a man he grew up in new york which is da bomb but yea although i wonder if him and beyonce' are really married it dnt matter all i have to say is dat song iz officially mii theme song

• Anonymous

  I love Alicia Key's part. Her voice is so so strong but it is not screechy or babyish like Miley Cyrus. Jay Z has had a hard life and he expresses it through his song. New York seems like a dream and concrete jungle where dreams are created. All I can say is we have got some talented people out there. Whenever thte song comes on the radio, I crank it up high. New York seems so amazing in the song. Peace out:)

• Anonymous

  jay-z and alicia keys are the shit.lol.i just think it is an amazing to me. everybody have opions about the song,but it is the best one on the chart to me.alicia keys is really a good singer like mary j,but they are two way different people.jay-z is like one of the best fuckin rapper in the business.if you dont like it sit down and fuckin play it again.

• Anonymous

  Koy ChamnaP, NU and PU student
  I want to download this song. But I can have that file after i played the song. I take it from my cache file. This song sometime meaningful, it is just my friends favourite song. but this kind of music i dont like this.

• Anonymous

  jay-z has always rocked me -i love alicia keys but............ukumaku is the best.even arun can sing well than jay-z

• Anonymous

  COOL SONG..ALICIA KEYS SOUNDS TIGHT..JAYZ..??? WELL, Just once again proving to be all in favour of the ANTI-CHRIST!

• Anonymous

  Jay-Z is awesome!! His songs keep getting better and better!! I wasn't a fan of rap music before, but now I love everything rap!! Go Jay-Z!!

• Anonymous

  I love that song!!!!!!!it is so cool!!!!New York, New York, New York...........always want to go back there

• Anonymous

  d4$ my $0n9 ri+3 +h3r3 1e+$ h3@r !+ 4 N3W Yorrrrkkkk lol but for real das my song jasmine baby

• Anonymous

  Da song is great. I use to not like it but then i grew fond of it(: GREAT SONG. GOOD JOB(: I love all his music!!!!!

• Anonymous

  dis song is tha bom cause it means alot to me and yeah laters.....lol...lmao...:)

• Anonymous

  A lot of times rap songs don&#039t make sense lyrically- This is not one of those times. If you don&#039t get the lyrics its because you are st&#039pid.

• Anonymous

  tis song is ok cuz sum people well not elaborate 2 this song cuz christans might not lik it they mite hate the song. lik me lik i dont hate it i just dont lik it its just lam 2 me if he rapz dat on a stage he will speak out 2 otherz but not me sooooo i say wat a lam song booooooo

• Anonymous

  What is up with Jay-Z?
  He seriously needs to STOP mentioning Jesus in his songs!!

• Anonymous

  Jay-z is a very conspicuously inspiring rapper. This song about New York is smashin dawg. I have never been to New York before. I did not even like New York but because of Jay-z, Alicia Keys, I can roll on the music nonstop. Like one of the previous comments said, Jay is the man. "Empire State of Mind" is now one of my favorite songs in rap music.

• Anonymous

  Nice one!!!!!!! Not particulary a fan of rap music, but this one I like!!!!!!!!

• 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!!!

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• Anonymous

  Sh&#039t I&#039m white and this is my sh&#039t! Never been to NY and still love this sh&#039t! Greensboro NC babyyy

• 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!"

• 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

• 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

• Anonymous

  i love this song it is the best i love it because im from new york and i think its really good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 [=

• Anonymous

  i love this song this song it is so raw i will break down in tears gvdfdfgzdfgdfgdfgf

• 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.

• Anonymous

  Being a native New Yorker I can only dance when I hear this song. No place on earth like it........

• 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.

• 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!!!!

• 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!!!!

• Anonymous

  i love that song!!!!!!!it is so cool. every time i listen to empire state of mind i always dance.

• Anonymous

  wtf?!!>?
  jay z is not a Good rapper, he gutta stop smokin weed kuz most of his song dont make sence

• Anonymous

  haha why do you have to black to appreciate this song? Everyones pointing out what race they are, it really doesnt make a difference. Black people and white people can have their ideas about music

• Anonymous

  This is a weird some, cool beat, but jay-z taking about Jesus not saving someone and life only starting after church ends is the biggest lie i've heard.Listen properly to wot his saying in his lyrics
  Qoute from the song...
  Lights is blinding,*
  Girls need blinders *
  So they can step out of bounds quick,*
  The side lines 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 your in-style,*
  Dont be fooled people,I was a hard core jay-z fan he just dissappointed everyone with this type of lyrics
  This goes for his Run this streets track aswell.
  
  Im not white im coloured

• Anonymous

  I dont get why its called Empire State Of Mind if it doesent even say it ONCE!!!???

• Anonymous

  Damn jay-z and Alicia keys in one song?!?!? What else could u ask for!?! Lovin' this song!!

• Anonymous

  I'm finally so glad that somebody in the industry got a video that actually matched the song

• Anonymous

  the thoughest on new york ever done I dig this so much hip hop houra hourey!!! jay z the king of kings !! from cameroon 0023794447608 cameroon!!! it is like crosing hanging bridge on snake river , soaked aloe vera in glass cup water , sipping white coffee with black spoon, passing mahommed ali to cassius clay, singing alicia keys on her minor, playing pentatonic with Bonas fngers ...

• Anonymous

  this the ceiling that puts new york in the engine , jay z this is hip hop , you are the so far up
  from deo yoooooo....yaoundé cameroon

• Anonymous

  Yo this the tightest song that done came out in an long time this song put the N.Y.C beack on da block lovin u Jay-z! Representin brooklyn to the fullest baby!!

• Anonymous

  Yo this the tightest song that done came out in an long time this song put the N.Y.C beack on da block lovin u Jay-z! Representin brooklyn to the fullest baby!!

• Anonymous

  EEMMPPPPPIIIIRE STATEEEEE OOOOF MINNNNNNDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!