Is New York the center of the universe? You'd think so from the number of songs about it. Let's see how many we can name. For simplicity's sake, we won't distinguish between the city or the state; also include songs that mention any of the 5 boroughs. I don't think we could possibly start with any other song: Frank Sinatra: "New York, New York" Start spreadin' the news, I'm leavin' today I want to be a part of it New York, New York These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray Right through the very heart of it New York, New York
Marshall Crenshaw: "Rockin' Around In NYC" Whenever idleness is making me insane Well then I feel I should be getting the train on the double Here comes trouble I hit the city and my head is a-reelin' I get the feelin' that it was really was worth going after When we're tastin' disaster So 'round and 'round and 'round we go Through seventeen lights in a row Take a hold of my hand and come with me We'll go rockin' around in NYC
Molly Hatchet: "The Big Apple" New York City, you're so big and tough, Well here we come, baby, we're struttin' our stuff. Well, we look kinda frisky, we're pretty damn bad Cause Southern cookin' is all we ever had. Oh, cook 'em up some greens, baby.
"My brain's been battered, splattered all over Manhattan Uh-huh, this town's full of money grabbers Go ahead, bite the Big Apple, don't mind the maggots, huh"
Lots of Lou Reed songs have New York references without actually naming the city. One that does is New York Telephone Conversation.
Another one that does is Tell It To Your Heart "Tell it to your heart, please don't be afraid New York City lovers, tell it to your heart"
