Down and Out In New York City

James Brown

About Down and Out In New York City

"Down and Out in New York City" is a song written by Bodie Chandler and Barry De Vorzon and recorded by James Brown. It appears in the film Black Caesar and is included on the film's soundtrack album. It was released as a single in 1973 and charted #13 R&B and #50 Pop. The song was co-arranged by Fred Wesley. The song was sampled by the rapper Prodigy on the album Return of the Mac.


Year:
2006
4:44
33 
#2

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Say brother, can I borrow a thin brother
You know, a dime?
Say it, say it, say it sis
I'd sure like to have this little dime for me
So I can get this cup of coffee
Cop me a snack, somethin'
I guess I better quit tryin' to be hip and get on down
Yea man, like, you know

I was born in New York City on a Monday
It seems I was out shinin' shoes 'bout two to noon

All the fat cats, in the bad hats doing me a real big favor
Got the fat cats, in the bad hats laying it on real good
Here's a dime boy, give me a shine boy

When the cold wind comes, it live at New York City
And the street's no place to be but there you are

So you try hard, or you die hard
No one really gives a good damn
You try hard, and you die hard
No one gives a damn

Here's a dime boy, give me a shine boy

[?] in New York City
Ain't no way to be, but where can you go?
When you're down and out in New York City
I'm never, never, never gonna get that way again, ow

No, no, no
No, no, not me

When you need a friend [?]
When you want a friend

Gonna get myself together 'til the mornin'
Gonna leave it all and a one bad dream

All the fat cats, in the bad hats doing me a real big favor
Got the fat cats, in the bad hats, laying it on real good
Here's a dime boy, give me a shine boy, wow, ow, yeah

Give me a shine boy

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James Brown

James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of funk music and is a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance. more »

2 fans

Written by: BARRY DE VORZON, BODIE CHANDLER

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"Down And Out In New York City" is a soul/funk song by American singer James Brown. It was released in 1973 and is featured on the soundtrack for the movie "Black Caesar".
Film Influence
The song was specifically written for the blaxploitation crime drama film "Black Caesar", which was also known as "The Godfather of Harlem".
Album Performance
The soundtrack album featuring this song reached number 11 on the Billboard 200 and got to the Number 2 spot on Billboard's R&B chart. This goes to show its popularity during that time.
Historic Success
Beyond the song's performance in charts, the film and its soundtrack are famously known as Brown's first foray into film scoring.
Unique Theme
The song offers a narrative of survival in New York city and highlights James Brown's timeless ability to create songs that resonate with the struggle of African American men in a white-dominated society.
Song Contributors
The song was written by Bodie Chandler and Barry De Vorzon. It was arranged by Fred Wesley, the leader of James Brown's backing band The J.B.'s.
Notable Instrumentation
The song, along with the rest of the soundtrack, features the vast orchestration of James Brown and Fred Wesley, which was a departure from Brown's usual straight funk and soul sound.
Released Under
The song, as part of the album "Black Caesar", was released under Polydor Records, a British-German multinational label that contributed to James Brown's international reach.
Cover Versions
A number of musicians and artists have covered the song over the years, including Bill Moss in 1973 and the Turkish singer Ersen in 1974.
Soundtrack Composition
Apart from this song, the rest of the album also includes instrumental pieces, along with reinterpretations of previous James Brown hits. However, "Down and Out in New York City" remains a standout for its innovative lyrics and emotive performance.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

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