The Strokes released their new album this week, 19 years after their debut Is This It was hailed as a bona-fide instant classic by the indie rock community. As I was listening to their 2020 record, I considered the effect New York cultural products have had on me – many films I like are set there, and many bands I love (such as The Strokes) hail from NYC – and yet I’ve never been, and especially amidst the pandemic would not be setting foot there any time soon. This inspired me to write a song using New York City as a lyrical jumping off point.
New York taunts me with the tip of her tongue
New York haunts me with the breath of her lung
All her promises I’ve hung
(I employ the technique of personification to demonstrate New York’s allure.)
New York shimmers on the edge of my view
All I want is one sunny afternoon
Have what she’s having too
(This references a famous quote from When Harry Met Sally, a film set in NYC.)
‘cause i’ve seen movies
and i’ve read books
and they all told me
get a closer look
(I use the movie reference to connect with the rest of the thoughts of the prechorus, which outlines an expectation…)
but
New York isn’t real
New York isn’t real
New York isn’t real to me
New York isn’t real to me
(…but the chorus displays the reality of how I feel.)
Goes to show that sometimes inspiration doesn’t necessarily come from the music I’m hearing, but indirectly by just letting my mind wander while listening.
Song Of The Week is “The Adults Are Talking” by The Strokes. My favourite part is the gentle melody for the chorus on the line “Don’t go there ’cause you’ll never return”8 at 2:43:
8The Strokes. “The Adults Are Talking”. The New Abnormal. RCA Records, 2020.
Jachin's Songwriting and Performance Journal 