Songs About New York City

Updated April 1, 2024

For Songs About New York City, there are many performs who explored this idea. We assembled 25 of our favorites.

Riptide by Vance Joy

From the album, Dream Your Life Away (Special Edition), released on September 9, 2014

The song "Riptide" by Vance Joy is a slow, mellow song with a feeling of nostalgia. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is reminiscing about a past love. The production is very simple, with just a guitar and a few percussion instruments. The song has a very relaxed, easy-going feel to it.

I Like Me Better by Lauv

From the album, I met you when I was 18. (the playlist), released on May 31, 2018

"I Like Me Better" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lauv. It was released on May 19, 2017, as the lead single from his debut extended play, I Met You When You Were 18 (The Playlist) (2017). The song was written by Lauv, Danny Parker, and Jacob Kasher Hindlin. The song was produced by Lauv and Hindlin.

Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's

From the album, All That We Needed, released on January 1, 2005

"Hey There Delilah" is a song by American rock band Plain White T's. It was released in May 2006 as the second single from their third studio album, All That We Needed. The song was written by lead singer Tom Higgenson and is about a long-distance relationship. It became the band's first and only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was produced by Greg Wells and mixed by Mike Shipley.

my ex's best friend (with blackbear) by Machine Gun Kelly

From the album, Tickets To My Downfall, released on September 25, 2020

The song is about a man who is in love with his ex's best friend. He is trying to convince her to leave her friend and be with him instead. The production of the song is simple, with just a few instruments. The song has a light and catchy feel to it.

International Love (feat. Chris Brown) by Pitbull

From the album, Planet Pit (Deluxe Version), released on June 17, 2011

"International Love" is a song by American rapper Pitbull, featuring vocals from American singer Chris Brown. It was released on October 31, 2011, as the second single from Pitbull's sixth studio album, Planet Pit (2011). The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, giving Pitbull his second US number-one single. Internationally, the song peaked within the top ten of the charts in eighteen countries, including Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Poland, Scotland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.

The Motto by Drake

From the album, Take Care (Deluxe), released on November 15, 2011

The Motto is a song by Canadian rapper Drake. It features American rapper Lil Wayne and is a single from Drake's second studio album, Take Care. The song peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Canadian Hot 100. The Motto was produced by T-Minus, with additional production by Noah "40" Shebib. The song samples "The Future" by Little Brother. The song features Lil Wayne rapping the hook and Drake rapping the verses.

21 Questions by 50 Cent

From the album, Get Rich Or Die Tryin', released on February 6, 2003

"21 Questions" is a song by 50 Cent and Nate Dogg. It was released in 2003 as the second single from 50 Cent's debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. The song features Nate Dogg asking 50 Cent 21 questions about his life and relationships. The song was produced by Dr. Dre and features a sample of "Can We Kiss Forever?" by Kina Grannis.

Mind Over Matter by Young the Giant

From the album, Mind Over Matter, released on January 17, 2014

"Mind Over Matter" is a song by American alternative rock band Young the Giant from their 2013 album of the same name. The track was written by the band's lead vocalist, Sameer Gadhia, and produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen. The song is an upbeat, energetic track that features a strong, driving beat, soaring vocal melodies and a catchy chorus. Lyrically, the song encourages the listener to overcome their fears and insecurities and to remain focused on achieving their dreams.

City of Gods by Fivio Foreign

From the album, City of Gods, released on February 11, 2022

"City of Gods" is a song by American rapper Fivio Foreign, featuring production from American record producers Oogie Mane and Nick Mira. It was released on January 29, 2021, as the second single from Fivio Foreign's debut studio album and third project, 800 B.C., through his own label, Foreign Council. The song is an uptempo and bass-heavy trap banger that addresses Fivio's come-up in the rap industry and his status as a god amongst men. Lyrically, he brags about his wealth, success and street credibility, while also shouting out his hometown of Brooklyn, New York. The chorus repeats the lines, "It's a city of gods, you can't come in if you ain't got no gods, it's a city of gods, you can't come in if you ain't got no gods." The accompanying music video was released on April 1, 2021, and depicts Fivio and his crew living a lavish lifestyle in Brooklyn.

The City's Yours by Jamie Foxx

From the album, Annie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), released on November 17, 2014

"The City's Yours" is a song by American singer-songwriter Jamie Foxx from his fifth studio album, Hollywood: A Story of a Dozen Roses. The song was produced by Timbaland and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional production from Jim Beanz. The lyrics of the song discuss the idea of working hard and hustling to make it in the city and make your own dreams come true. The song features a classic Timbaland-style beat, with catchy hooks and a smooth melody that creates an uplifting atmosphere. The chorus features Foxx singing "The city's yours, it's yours, it's yours".

Diet Mountain Dew by Lana Del Rey

From the album, Born To Die – Paradise Edition (Special Version), released on January 1, 2012

"Diet Mountain Dew" is a song by singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey that is featured on her album Born to Die. The song is a mid-tempo track featuring a pop-rock arrangement of drums, electric guitar, and piano. The song is driven by a steady drum beat and Lana’s trademark breathy vocals, where she laments a “poison love”. The chorus of the song is catchy and upbeat, and Lana’s lyrics describe the dangers of infatuation. The song was produced by Emile Haynie and Jeff Bhasker, and co-written by Lana Del Rey, Emile Haynie, and Justin Parker. It was released as a single in 2012.