New York State of Mind
Embracing the Urban Rhythm: Johnny Mathis' New York State of Mind
Lyrics
Some folks like to get away,
Some people prefer to go away, take a break from their usual surroundings.
Take a holiday from the neighborhood.
They might choose to vacation somewhere like Miami Beach or Hollywood.
Hop a flight to Miami Beach or to Hollywood.
However, the singer opts for a bus ride along the Hudson River.
But I'm takin' a Greyhound on the Hudson River line.
Expressing a deep connection and alignment with the atmosphere and spirit of New York City.
I'm in a New York state of mind.
Emphasizing the state of mind focused on New York City.
I've seen all the movie stars in their fancy cars and their limousines.
The singer has encountered famous people in luxurious settings and picturesque locations.
Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens.
Even experienced the beauty of nature in the Rockies.
I know what I'm needin', and I don't wanna waste more time.
The singer knows what they require and doesn't want to waste time.
I'm in a New York state of mind.
Reiterating the fixation on being in a New York state of mind.
It was so easy livin' day by day
Previously, life was easy, living without much concern for the deeper emotions (rhythm and blues).
Out of touch with the rhythm and blues
Disconnected from the emotional depth reflected in rhythm and blues music.
But now I need a little give and take
Now feeling the need for reciprocal interactions, possibly in reference to relationships.
The New York Times, the Daily News.
Mentions specific newspapers, symbolizing a connection to the city's happenings.
It comes down to reality, and it's fine with me cause I've let it slide.
Accepting reality and being okay with it, having allowed certain things to pass.
I don't care if it's Chinatown or on Riverside.
Unconcerned about specific locations in the city; the attachment is more profound.
I don't have any reasons.
Not having explicit reasons for the connection, leaving them in the past.
I left them all behind.
Emphasizing the commitment to the New York state of mind by abandoning past reasons.
I'm in a New York state of mind.
Restating the strong inclination towards a New York state of mind.
Oh yeah.
Exclamation emphasizing the sentiment expressed.
It was so easy living day by day
Similar to line 12, reflecting on a simpler past.
Out of touch with the rhythm and blues
Reiteration of feeling disconnected from emotional depth represented by rhythm and blues.
But now I need a little give and take
Desiring mutual interaction, possibly in relationships.
The New York Times, the Daily News.
Reiteration of the importance of specific newspapers in the city.
Who, oh, oh whoa who.
Exclamation expressing emotion or emphasis.
It comes down to reality, and it's fine with me cause I've let it slide.
Acceptance of reality and past choices, having let them go.
I don't care if it's Chinatown or on Riverside.
Indifference to specific places in the city; the emotional connection supersedes.
I don't have any reasons.
Not having explicit reasons for the connection, leaving them behind.
I left them all behind.
Reiteration of commitment to the New York state of mind by abandoning past reasons.
I'm in a New York state of mind.
Reaffirmation of the strong inclination towards a New York state of mind.
I'm just taking a Greyhound on the Hudson River line.
Repetition of the mode of transportation, reinforcing the connection to New York.
Cause I'm in a, I'm in a New York state of mind
Final confirmation of being deeply entrenched in a New York state of mind.
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