NEW YORK CITY (WHO AM I?) (Robert J. Purvis)

Through a maze of yellow cabs in New York City

Passed a guy who's trying to hustle you for bread

42nd Street, I know, they all told me "keep away"

But I had to see it sometime

Make my own mind up, you know

Now, I think I've seen enough

It's time to go


It's a cool night in Manhattan, I'm still walking

And the gates of Central Park lie up ahead

Mustn't wander through alone

It's not nice there anymore

Is it really all that violent?

Is there much in what they say?

Found a baseball here, but there's no place to play


I threw it up in the sky, let out a desperate cry

New York City, who am I?

But no one hears when I call

I never felt so small

New York City, who am I?

On the surface, underground

They may rip you off, but never pull you down


There's a black haze floating down the Hudson River

There's a dark cloud hanging up there in the sky

And a million souls out seeking for a place to lay their heads

Is it really so important?

Am I wrong to write this song?

Has it all been said before about this city?


Just then, I opened my eyes

I can't believe the size

New York City, who am I?

You still got life in the edge

You'll be alive when I'm dead

New York City, who am I?

There's nostalgia here, I know

How I wish I'd been around to watch it grow


Just then, I opened my eyes

I can't believe the size

New York City, who am I?

You still got life in the edge

You'll be alive when I'm dead

New York City, who am I?

There's a thousand tales to tell

Of the happiness and hell you shelter here


Just then, I opened my eyes

I can't believe the size

New York City, who am I?

You still got life in the edge

You'll be alive when I'm dead

New York City, who am I?

There's nostalgia here, I know...


©1977 Ganga Publishing B.V.