10. Welcome to New York City - Cam’ron

You might have thought that NYC didn’t need another anthem … but that could only be before who heard this one. It muscles its way into the top ten, representing the streets in a way that only rap can. There’s a stark reality of places in Brooklyn like Flushing, Myrtle Avenue, and the Marcy Projects that contrasts with the glitter of Broadway. And yet the people who live there are still New Yorkers, and they’re still f***ing proud of their city. “It’s the home of 9/11, the place of the lost Towers, we still bangin’ we never lost power … welcome to New York City.”

9. New York, New York - Ryan Adams

The video for this song was filmed on September 7, 2001 in Brooklyn with the Twin Towers as the backdrop. Little did anyone know … and yet, this song is here not simply because of its video, or its celebration of the city that was much needed in late September, “I still love you New York.” Indeed this song is as New York as you can get, from the lyrics to the song, to the saxophone which is the de facto official instrument of the city.

8. Sunday In New York - Bobby Darin

What can I say? I just love this one. Big band sound. New York lyrics. Perfect: “New York on Sunday, big city taking a nap.”

7. Give My Regards to Broadway - Al Jolson

“Give my regards to Broadway, remember me to Harold Square. Tell all the gang on 42nd St. that I will soon be there.” Classic. Timeless.

6. Manhattan - Tony Bennett

The perfect summertime NYC song. “I’ve a cozy little flat in what is known as old Manhattan … We’ll have Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, too.” Seriously, if you’re looking for the perfect, romantic summer vacation spot: Head to the Big Apple. If you don’t find a good time, it’s your fault. “We’ll turn Manhattan into an isle of joy.”

5. Autumn In New York - Yvonne Washington

Even better than the above, this song captures the mood of, well, autumn in New York. It’s descriptions of the big city are simply gorgeous. “It’s autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting … The gleaming rooftops at sundown … It is good to live it again.”

4. New York City - Gil Scott-Heron

I found this obscure gem one afternoon and fell in love with it immediately. Soulful, heartfelt, honest. “New York City, I don’t know why I love you. Could be you remind me of myself … I’ve always felt inside like New York City.” Not only that, this song celebrates “the sounds of city … music from every nation help make the island one. Home to both tramp and artist and dreamers everywhere and most of all kind hearted people whose stories ain’t on the air.” That’s NYC, baby.

3. A Heart In New York - Art Garfunkel

Originally written and performed by Art Garfunkel. Immortalized by its performance in the legendary Concert In Central Park with Paul Simon. Who better to write and perform a celebration of the city than two of this city’s favorite sons? “New York. To that skyline I come … looking down on Central Park, where they say you should not wander after dark … like a scene from all those movies. But you’re real enough to me … so here’s to you New York.” And as I was saying about the saxophone being the de facto official instrument of the city …

2. New York State of Mind - Billy Joel

My personal favorite. If I *had* to choose. Piano. Jazz. Saxophone. The heartbeat of a New York City night. The lyrics. The soul of the city. “I know what I’m needing and I don’t want to waste more time. I’m in a New York state of mind.”

1. New York, New York - Frank Sinatra

I don’t see how any list of New York City songs could end with any other than this one. Synonymous with the city itself are the words Frankie has to say about it: “I want to be a part of it, New York, New York.” If it’s happenning, it’s happenning in NYC. “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” And maybe that’s why people are so intimidated by New Yorkers. They know that once you’ve lived and have been successful in the big city, you’ve proven you can do whatever you want, anywhere you want. Because in New York you really do see and experience it all. And that experience means you really can handle whatever it is life throws your way. That’s the honest truth.

Back to Top