The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
Run it over, run them out
Knock your block, you're tearing earth down
Move on corners, move around
Talk no talk, breaking you down
We are a corporation
We are a company
We cut high, but we're cuttin high anyway?
We are your mother's father
We are your fighter friend
It never started and it won't end
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
Broken faces, burnt and bent
Deal off some for living while bent
Ride on nothin', ride your head
Got no fear, sayin' not said
We are a population
We are a factory
We don't do, but we never did anyway
We are your mother's father
We are your fighter friend
You can't stop what you can't end
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
Oh, oh, oh oh oh oh, New York, oh, oh, oh, oh oh oh
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
Run it over, run them out
Knock your block, you're tearing earth down
Move on corners, move around
Talk no talk, breaking you down
We are a corporation
We are a company
We cut high, but we're cuttin high anyway?
We are your mother's father
We are your fighter friend
It never started and it won't end
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
Broken faces, burnt and bent
Deal off some for living while bent
Ride on nothin', ride your head
Got no fear, sayin' not said
We are a population
We are a factory
We don't do, but we never did anyway
We are your mother's father
We are your fighter friend
You can't stop what you can't end
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
Oh, oh, oh oh oh oh, New York, oh, oh, oh, oh oh oh
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
I love New York City
Oh yeah, New York City
Lyrics submitted by Hardcore_Icon
I Love NYC Lyrics as written by Andrew F. Wilkes-krier
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Just A Little Lovin'
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Andrew W.K. puts his money where his heart is -- New York City.
"Run it over, run them out Knock your block, or tearing your doubt Move on corners, move around Talk no talk, breaking you down "
This verse, while not really containing any information about New York City, is an essential part of the song. It shows the beauty of AWK's rhymes; he's not just out to party, he also wants to show you that he's got soul. He knows how to rhyme, and he doesn't want every song on his album to sound the same. Thus, the I Love NYC ballad.
"I love New York City Oh yeah, New York City I love New York City Oh yeah, New York City "
The repeating of New York City along with love shows that Andrew W.K. has a deep understanding and love of New York's favorite city (sorry, Albany!) and he isn't afraid to show it.
I am finding it tough to continue without getting misty-eyed, but for the sake of the understanding of this song I will continue. It is important to note that W.K. is not just writing filler for his album, NYC really touched him and he wants to show it. Now if you'll excuse me, I think i have something in my eye.