NYC Cops

Album: Is This It (2001)
Charted: 16
Play Video
  • Here in the streets so mechanised
    Rise to the bottom of the meaning of life
    Studied all the rules didn't want no part
    But I let you in just to break this heart
    Even though it was only one night
    It was fucking strange

    Nina's in the bedroom
    She said time to go now
    But leavin' it ain't easy
    I got to let go
    I got to let go
    And the hours they ran slow
    I said everynight she just can't stop sayin'
    New York City cops
    New York City cops
    New York City cops
    They ain't too smart
    New York City cops
    New York City cops
    New York City cops
    They ain't too smart

    Well, kill me now, I let you down
    I swear one day we're gonna leave this town
    Stop
    Yes I'm leavin'
    'Cause it just won't work
    They act like Romans
    But they dress like Turks
    Sometime, in your prime
    See me, I like the summertime

    Nina's in the bedroom
    She said time to go now
    But leavin' it ain't easy
    I got to let go
    I got to let go
    Oh!
    Trapped in an apartment
    She would not let them get her
    She wrote it in a letter
    I got to come clean
    The authorities they've seen
    Darling I'm somewhere in between
    I said everynight every night, I just can't stop sayin'
    New York City cops
    New York City cops
    New York City cops
    They ain't too smart
    New York City cops
    New York City cops
    New York City cops
    They ain't too smart



    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 12

  • Tess from Ny, NyAt Em:

    The song that replaced New York City Cops in the U.S. album was indeed When It Started.
  • Em from Adelaide, AustraliaWhat was the song they put on the US album instead of NYC Cops? I have the Australian version of 'Is This It' and it has 'New York City Cops' on it. I also downloaded 'When It Started' which says its from the 'Is This It' album. Anyone know whats going on here?
  • Alex from Perth, Australiaon the australian release of Is This It? this song is on it but it is titled, 'When it started'
  • Annie from Leeds, EnglandI read they have an ex-cop who they buy guitars from and they asked him if was offended by NYC cops but he just said no, i dont listen to your music.
  • Lucy from Los Angeles, CaWell, its really hard to post meanings to songs by the Strokes, seeing as how Julian writes most of 'em and they usually are about him & his family. Like Last Nite has to do something with his sister..i dunno what though.

    When they were forced to remove NYC Cops from Is This It? Julian was dissapointed because it killed the album, he arranges them in an order and thats how they 'sposse to go.....damn 9/11!!
  • Conor from Ottawa, Canadawhy arent there more songs by the strokes, none the less im still pleased to see NYC cops here, great song, this song is on the Hard to Explain single.
  • Tom from Auckland, New Zealandonly one strokes song?? what the?
  • Tango Fistula from Gila Bend, Azhas this band finished posing and making pouty faces yet?
    i really hope that their advance has run out so they can serve me a latte and i can refuse to tip as a matter of principal.
  • Rico from Melbourne, AustraliaGreat song I reckon... people are definitely too sensitive (even though S11 was a tragedy)... what happened to freedom of expression???
  • J-raff from Boston, MaThe CD was rereleased in the US later with that song and a new cover.
  • Natasha from Chico, Caya, the song isn't on the cd in the u.s., but i've still found a way to listen to it.:) Where are the rest of the Strokes songs here on this site???
  • Marco from Denno - Italia, Italyhere in europe the song hasn't been removed.and it is one of the best in the album!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Ed Roland of Collective SoulSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa CarltonSongwriter Interviews

The "A Thousand Miles" singer on what she thinks of her song being used in White Chicks and how she captured a song from a dream.

Daniel Lanois

Daniel LanoisSongwriter Interviews

Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.