From the previous number, the show changes tone abruptly as Gabey, Chip, and Ozzie hit New York City determined to experience as much of the city as possible in the next day.
[ALL]
New York, New York!
It's a helluva town!
[GABEY]
We've got one day here and not another minute
To see the famous sights!
[OZZIE]
We'll find the romance and danger waiting in it
Beneath the Broadway lights;
But we've hair on our chests
So what we like the best are the nights
Sights! Lights! Nights!
[ALL]
New York, New York, a helluva town
The Bronx is up, but the Battery's down
The people ride in a hole in the groun'
New York, New York, it's a helluva town!
[CHIP]
The famous places to visit are so many
Or so the guidebooks say
I promised Daddy I wouldn't miss on any
And we have just one day
Got to see the whole town
From Yonkers on down to the Bay
[ALL]
In just one day!
New York, New York, a visitor's place
Where no one lives on account of the pace
But seven millions are screaming for space
New York, New York, it's a visitor's place!
[OZZIE]
Manhattan women are dressed in silk and satin
Or so the fellas say;
There's just one thing that's important in Manhattan
When you have just one day;
Gotta pick up a date
[CHIP]
Maybe seven
[GABEY]
Or eight
On your way
[ALL]
In just one day!
New York, New York, a helluva town
The Bronx is up, but the Battery's down
The people ride in a hole in the groun'
New York, New York, it's a helluva town!!
New York! New York! was written by Betty Comden & Adolph Green & Leonard Bernstein.
Leonard Bernstein released New York! New York! on Sat Dec 30 1944.