It was when I rode off in my daydreams
Chasing that vision of light
It was then I got caught in the jet stream
And I dropped through a hole in the night
And I knew it's not you that I run from
I saw each of us living alone
And I prayed that you still could be waiting
That's when I started for home

Oh my, Jenny
Oh my, Jenny
Oh my, Jenny, my love
Oh my, Jenny
Oh my, Jenny
You are my rainbow above

I have seen a great city in the darkness
Dream lady dressed in cold concrete
I've seen the City of Angles
With the names of its dead in the street
And for once I could see it all your way
And for once I knew I was all wrong
And I thought of you there in my door way
And I knew I've been travelin' too long

Oh my, Jenny
Oh my, Jenny
Oh my, Jenny, my love
Oh my, Jenny
Oh my, Jenny
You are my rainbow above

As I crossed to the heart of the country
I was lost in a forest of signs
And I laughed 'cause life gets so funny
Here I was wasted from wastin' my time
So now shine down your sun on my shadow
Without you I don't mean a thing
And I gather me one golden morning, babe
'Cause it's your song that I need to sing

Oh my, Jenny
Oh my, Jenny
Oh my, Jenny, my love
Oh my, Jenny
Oh my, Jenny
You are my rainbow above


Lyrics submitted by ninjakitty1, edited by Gradle

Jenny Lyrics as written by Harry F. Chapin

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Jenny song meanings
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    General Comment

    These lyrics are referring to New York City and Los Angeles:

    I have seen a great city in darkness (NYC had a major blackout in 1977, the year before this song was written)

    Green lady dressed in cold concrete (Statue of Liberty)

    I've seen the City of Angels (nickname for LA. It's Angels not angles)

    With the names of its dead in the street (Hollywood Walk of Fame)

    Miss ya, Harry! <3

    Gradleon January 19, 2023   Link

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