Author: Yasa Syed

Theme from New York, New York by Frank Sinatra

Theme from New York, New York, Frank Sinatra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdUcp-6ot_c

Frank Sinatra is a music icon, and the fact that a legend like him took the time to make a song about New York says a lot about the significance of the city to him. The song is sung from the point of view of a man striving to achieve his goals and realizes that New York is the place where he must pursue them. Originally, the song was the theme song for the Martin Scorsese movie New York, New York. It was sung by Liza Minnelli. Frank Sinatra released it as a part of his album Trilogy: Past Present Future in 1979. Sinatra’s version won him the Grammy Hall of Fame award and was nominated for Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal performance.

The lyrics here truly embody the reason why many people dream of coming to this great city. They are aware that their ambitions can be accomplished in the city of opportunity.

Start spreading the news

I am leaving today

I want to be a part of it

New York, New York

(after some lines)

And if I can make it there

I’m gonna make it anywhere

It’s up to you

New York, New York, New York

I like this song because it is about finding opportunity and ambition, which are crucial parts of being successful in the world. Sinatra projects this thought onto the listeners of his rendition of this inspirational song while keeping his own success in New York in mind. There is a sense of pride that I feel for being a New Yorker from this song because of the message. What puts the song over the top for me is of course Sinatra’s voice. The soothing jazz tunes and steady rhythm of his singing makes this a great song which embodies New York.