New York City

Album: Factory Showroom (1996)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was originally recorded by the band Cub in 1994. In the 2nd verse, when the landmarks of New York City are sung, They Might Be Giants sing, "The Empire State where Dylan lived" because John Flansburgh misheard the lyric when covering the song. The original version's lyrics are: "Empire state where King-Kong lived." Flansburgh found out what the actual lyrics were after the song was recorded and released. He now sings the correct words when this song is played live in concert. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    George - Islip Terrace, NY
  • This song is about a boy and a girl who fall in love in New York City. In the lyrics, "We met in the springtime at a rock and roll show, it was on the Bowery when it was time to go," The Bowery is a reference to the location of famed NYC punk club CBGB & OMFUG at 315 Bowery Street. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Kelly - Wilmington, DE

Comments: 2

  • Trey from Kalamazoo, MtI like this song.
  • Kelly from Wilmington, DeThe song is about a boy and a girl and love and stuff in NYC. It goes "We met in the springtime at a rock and roll show/ it was on the Bowery when it was time to go" "The Bowery" is a refrence to the location of famed NYC punk club CBGB & OMFUG at 315 Bowery.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.