New York – English Lyrics

• By: Cat Power

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is a fantastic way to connect with its culture. Cat Power's version of "New York" offers a unique opportunity to explore the nuances of English through a familiar song. Her distinct phrasing and emotional delivery can help you appreciate the subtleties of the lyrics in a new light, making the learning process both engaging and musically rewarding.

[English]

Start spreadin' the news

I'm leavin' today

I want to be a part of it

New York, New York

...

These vagabond shoes

Are longin' to stray

Right through the very heart of it

New York, New York

...

I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep

To find I'm cream of the crop and top of the heap

These little-town blues

Are meltin' away

I'll make a brand-new start of it

Oh, in New York

If I can make it there

I'll make it anywhere

New York

...

It's up to you

New York

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
spreadin' /ˈsprɛdɪn/ B1	verb - to extend over a large area or among many people
leavin' /ˈliːvɪn/ B1	verb - to leave a place or person
part /pɑːrt/ A2	noun - a piece or segment of something
vagabond /ˈvæɡəbʊnd/ C1	noun - a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job
shoes /ʃuːz/ A1	noun - a covering for the foot
longin' /ˈlɒndʒɪn/ B2	verb - to have a strong desire for something
heart /hɑːrt/ A2	noun - the organ that pumps blood through the body
sleep /sliːp/ A1	verb - to be in a state of rest during which the body's functions cease
city /ˈsɪti/ A2	noun - a large town
sleep /sliːp/ A1	verb - to rest with eyes closed and in a natural state of unconsciousness
dream /driːm/ B2	noun - a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep
start /stɑːrt/ A2	verb - to begin something
up /ʌp/ A1	adverb - toward a higher position
make /meɪk/ A2	verb - to create or produce
anywhere /ˈɛniˌwɛər/ B1	adverb - in or to any place

Key Grammar Structures

• Start spreadin' the news

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ The phrase "Start spreadin' the news" uses the imperative mood to give a command or instruction.

• I want to be a part of it

  ➔ Infinitive form

  ➔ The phrase "to be a part of it" uses the infinitive form to express a desire.

• These vagabond shoes are longin' to stray

  ➔ Present continuous tense

  ➔ The phrase "are longin' to stray" uses the present continuous tense to indicate an ongoing desire.

• I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep

  ➔ Relative clause

  ➔ The phrase "that doesn't sleep" is a relative clause providing more information about the city.

• If I can make it there

  ➔ Conditional sentence

  ➔ The phrase "If I can make it there" is a conditional sentence expressing a possibility.

• I'll make a brand-new start of it

  ➔ Future simple tense

  ➔ The phrase "I'll make a brand-new start" uses the future simple tense to express a future intention.

• It's up to you

  ➔ Phrase indicating responsibility

  ➔ The phrase "It's up to you" indicates that the decision or responsibility lies with the listener.