New York, poor New York, ooh
New York, poor New York, ooh
Cars choking your child to death
But you don’t wanna see
‘Cause you only think about yourself
How blind can you be?

New York, poor New York, ooh
Sniper on the rooftop, New York
New York, poor New York
Not fit for a dog in New York
Everybody bites on the Big Apple
And leave the hungry in tears
But no one gives a damn; no one really cares
How they feel – they’re just paper people, not real
You need a gun to walk into New York

Now you’re broke and you’re out on a ledge
Who can help you this time?
Now you’re down to your very last cent
Still you’re askin’ me, “Who was your friend?”
I was your friend!

New York, poor New York
Who turned the lights out in New York?
New York, poor New York
Just another blackout in New York
Girl dead on the 26th floor
But no one knew her name
Found her body behind the door
Too young for the game

New York, poor New York
Devil’s in the subway, New York
New York, poor New York
New York, poor New York
Talking, talking, talkin – watch out!

Harlem touching Midtown, New York
New York, poor New York
Talkin ‘bout New York, New York
Money’s getting tighter, New York
They’re burning the bridges to New York