by Kander and Ebb – aka “These Vagabond Shoes” Key of ?
These Vagabond Shoes (or “New York, New York”) is the theme song from the Martin Scorsese film New York, New York (1977), composed by John Kander, with lyrics by Fred Ebb. It was written for and performed in the film by Liza Minnelli. It remains one of the best-known songs about New York City. Although many people associate this song with Frank Sinatra, it was Liza Minnelli who debuted it in the 1977 film of the same name, which was directed by Martin Scorsese and starred Minnelli and Robert De Niro as musicians and lovers. It was written for the film by John Kander and Fred Ebb, who wrote many songs for her, including the Cabaret songs “Maybe This Time” and “Yes.” Frank Sinatra began performing this in 1978 at concerts in New York’s Radio City Music Hall. His version was released on his 1980 triple album Trilogy: Past, Present and Future, which was highly acclaimed and brought the singer back in the public eye. “New York, New York” quickly became one of Sinatra’s signature songs.
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
I wanna to wake up, in a city that doesn’t sleep, And find I’m king of the hill – Top of the heap
These little town blues, are melting away I’ll make a brand new start of it In old New York
If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere It’s up to you, New York, New York – – New York, New York
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps And find I’m a number one, top of the list King of the hill, a number one . . .
These little town blues, are melting away I’m gonna make a brand new start of it, in old New York
A n d
If I can make it there, I’m gonna make it anywhere. It’s up to you, New York – New York, New York.
