☝️ Key Points
- Alicia Keys sings about New York as a city of dreams and opportunities
- 'If I can make it here / I can make it anywhere / That's what they say' reflects the belief that success in New York means success anywhere
- Keys addresses the challenges of city life, including loud noises, the harsh reality of the streets, and the constant struggle to survive
- Despite the difficulties, she holds onto her dreams ('a pocket full of dreams') and doesn't give up
- The song is an expression of pride and love for New York and a reminder of the transformative and inspiring power of the city
Interpretation
The song 'Empire State of Mind (Part 2)' by
Alicia Keys is an anthem to the city of New York and its possibilities. The singer describes how she grew up in a famous city - New York - which she sees as a place full of dreams and opportunities. 'Grew up in a town / That is as famous as a place of movie scenes' hints at the fame and glamour of New York.
The line 'If I can make it here / I can make it anywhere / That's what they say' reflects the general belief that if you succeed in New York, you can succeed anywhere.
The singer also addresses the challenges of life in the city, such as the constant noise ('Noises always loud'), the harsh reality of the streets ('And the streets are mean'), and the constant struggle to survive ('I'm gonna make it by any means').
Despite the difficulties, Alicia Keys doesn't give up, because she has 'a pocket full of dreams', symbolizing hope and ambitions.
The line 'Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of' describes New York as a place where dreams can come true, while 'These streets will make you feel brand new / Big lights will inspire you' alludes to the transformative and inspiring power of the city.
The song is an expression of pride and love for New York and a reminder that despite all the challenges and difficulties, there is still hope and the possibility of success in the city.