Ryan Adams’ “New York, New York”

In the wake of 9/11, “New York, New York” became a symbol of courage and the power of music for both the city and the rest of the world. Ryan Adams describes the character of New Yorkers, heartbroken but hopeful or devastated but not disturbed.

Ryan Adams has already proving himself as a thoughtful and sentimental songwriter before the world took notice with “New York, New York.” With music crossing the line between sadness and enthusiasm, Adams turned his thoughts to poetic storytelling, having written about the hidden suffering of life from lost loves, changing cities, and passing moments that form identities, with music that merged rock, country, and folk.

Adams’ songwriting developed into a part of NYC culture in the early 2000s. His lyrics caught the beat of America at the turn of the century as well as his own instability, a mix of artistic vulnerability and self doubt that defined a huge part of his career. What started out gas a straightforward love song for a city he loved became a song of determination for a nation in grief.

“New York, New York” was written by Adams just before the September 11 attacks and released as a single November 26, 2001. The song acts as both a tribute and love letter to New York City, song describing New York’s double attitude of loss and hope with a quick tempo and peaceful tone. Adams uses the city as a living symbol for love, tragedy, and the strength of the human spirit.

The music video for “New York, New York” was filmed four days before the attacks of September 11, with the Twin Towers standing tall behind Adams. The video would not be released until November 26, and was performed on Saturday Night Live on November 10, just two months after the attacks, placing in history an inspirational anthem of healing for New York City.

Adams’ lyrics placed a focus on hope, love, and nostalgia, with lines such as “Love won’t play any games with you, Not anymore if you want him to. So we better shake this old thing out the door, ’Cause I’ll always be thinking of you, forever more. I’ll always love you though, New York” showing a bond between the spirit of the city and those who call the city home.

“New York, New York” illustrates how in times of sadness music can have historic and emotional significance and meaning. Adams uses the city as a metaphor for resilience and community, with Americana mixed with folk, country, and heartland rock, giving the lyrics a raw, human feel. Despite the song’s sad mood, powerful vocals and guitar-focused rhythm, the song became a reminder that New Yorkers and the culture of their city will continue to stay vibrant even in the wake of tragedy. The song would later earn Adams a GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

In the wake of 9/11, “New York, New York” became a symbol of courage and the power of music for both the city and the rest of the world. Ryan Adams describes the character of New Yorkers, heartbroken but hopeful or devastated but not disturbed. His music will always be relevant, just like the city.

Ryan Adams – “New York, New York” Lyrics

I shuffled through the city on the Fourth of July,
With a firecracker waiting to blow sky high.

Breaking like a robber making his way,
Down through the cities of Mexico that day.

Lived in an apartment out on Avenue A,
Had a tar hut sitting on the corner of Tenth that way.

Had myself a lover who was finer than gold,
But I broke her heart — that story’s been told.

Love don’t play any games with me anymore,
Not like she did before.

The world won’t wait, so I better shake,
That thing right out through the door before it’s too late.

Hell, I still love you, New York.

Found myself a picture that fit in the fold,
Of my wallet — and somehow it stayed good as gold.

Still amazed I didn’t lose it that night,
On the roof when I was drunk and thinking of you under the light.

Every day the children sang their tunes,
Out on the streets — you could hear from the rooms.

Used to take the subway up to Houston and Third,
I would wait for you there, not saying a word.

Love won’t play any games with you,
Not anymore — not if you don’t want him to.

The world won’t wait, I watched you shake,
But honey, I don’t blame you for the break.

Hell, I still love you, New York.
Hell, I still love you, New York.

New York.

I remember Christmas in the blistering cold,
In a church on the Upper West Side — truth be told.

Babe, I stood there singing and holding your arm,
You were holding my trust — gentle and warm.

Found a lot of trouble out on Avenue B,
But I kept my overhead low, just trying to be free.

Farewell to the city and the love of my life,
At least we left before the edge of the knife.

Love won’t play any games with you,
Not anymore if you want him to.

So we better shake this old thing out the door,
’Cause I’ll always be thinking of you, forever more.

I’ll always love you though, New York.
I’ll always love you though, New York.
I’ll always love you though, New York.
I’ll always love you though, New York.

New York, New York.