Songs about cities have probably been around for as long as there's been cities to live in.
They exist to tell the stories of our dreams and fears, as we go about our daily lives among the urban sprawl. The sights we've seen, the food we've eaten and the people we've loved all come to mind when we listen to these songs.
They elicit the warming glow of recollection that evokes memories of lazy summer days and warm city nights.
For newcomers, these songs can intrigue and spark the imagination, providing the perfect accompaniment to their urban adventures.
Sometimes all it takes is a single line or verse to draw someone to a city, and inspire the start of a new journey.
Here we list several songs about cities, both from home and abroad, that represent certain characteristics of their subjects.
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Note: The playlist is highly subjective. But you're more than welcome to share your own choices with us in the comments below!
Trendsetter.
Epicenter of the arts.
Dining and shopping capital.
Compact.
Packed with stores.
NYC is a wanderer's delight.
The best way to
explore this metropolis
is to walk its many storied streets.
Welcome To New YorkTaylor Swift
♫
Walkin' through a crowd,
the village is a glow.
Kaleidoscopeof loud heartbeats
under coats.
Everybody here wanted
somethin' more.
Searchin' for a sound
we hadn't heard before.
And it said:
Welcome to New York,
it's been waitin' for you.
Welcome to New York.
Welcome to New York.
Empire State of MindJay-Z - The Blueprint 3
♫
In New York.
Concrete jungle where
dreams are made of.
There's nothing you can't do.
Now you're in New York.
These streets will make
you feel brand new.
Big lights will inspire you.
New York
Audacious.
Contradictory.
And beautiful in its own way.
It's an elusive paradise
in the Caribbean sea.
Rest in a lounge bar,
drink a cup of mojito,
and bathe in Havana's
tantalizing summer sun.
Havana2017 Billboard Masters - Havana - Tribute to Camila Cabello and Young Thug
♫
Havana, ooh na-na.
Half of my heart is in Havana.
He took me back to East Atlanta.
Half of my heart is in Havana.
There's somethin' 'bout his manners.
Havana, ooh na-na.
Havana
Incomparable in its elegance
and landmarks of world renown.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur,
Les Champs-Élysées,
La Tour Eiffel.
Fall in love with this
city of romance,
and have it stay with you
"for Paris is a moveable feast".
Les champs-elyseesChantal Chamberland - No 5
♫
Aux Champs-Elysées,
aux Champs-Elysées.
Au soleil, sous la pluie,
à midi ou à minuit.
Il y a tout ce que vous voulez.
Aux Champs-Elysées.
Paris
Artful architecture.
Passionate locals.
Addictive seafood.
Barcelona is definitely enchanting,
sometimes even crazy.
Walk along the beach
in the afternoon sun,
and enjoy a time
that will never fade.
Barcelonaby Giulia y Los Tellarini电影《午夜巴塞罗那》插曲
♫
Barcelona,
hace un calor que
me deja fría por dentro.
Con este vicio de
vivir mintiendo.
Qué bonito sería tu mar,
si supiera yo nadar.
Barcelona,
mi mente tan llena de
cara de gente extranjera.
Conocida,
desconocida y vuelta
a ser transparente.
Barcelona
Rich in both history
and natural beauty.
Chengdu is a modern metropolis
where you can find yourself.
Relax in a teahouse,
play a round of
mahjong with friends,
and test your taste buds
with the spicy cuisine.
成都赵雷 - 成都
♫
和我在成都的街头走一走，
直到所有的灯
都熄灭了也不停留。
你会挽着我的衣袖，
我会把手揣进裤兜。
走到玉林路的尽头，
坐在小酒馆的门口。
Chengdu
A city of many stories.
Of emperors, poets, monks,
merchants and warriors.
Admire its past glories,
and basking in its
newfound prosperity.
The Terracotta Warriors remain
Xi'an's biggest draw,
but there's a host of other marvels
that are sure to surprise you.
西安人的歌范炜与程渤智 - 西安人的歌
♫
是谁对西安印象留在黄土高坡，
来跟我唱一首咱西安人的歌。
西安人的城墙下是西安人的火车，
西安人不管到哪都不能不吃泡馍。
西安大厦高楼，是连的一座一座。
在西安人的心中，这是西安人的歌。
Xi'an
Vibrant and abuzz,
Shanghai is a city abounding in
energy and excitement.
Roam along the curve of the Bund,
capture a shot of the streetscapes,
and enjoy this Paris of the East.
Don't forget to do some shopping,
you will be spoiled for choice!
回海上孟慧圆 - 回海上
电视剧《上海女子图鉴》主题MV
♫
因为这里是上海，
真的比北方干净。
熟人不多，
比较自由，
爱吃菜肉大馄饨。
想打造自己的传奇。
这里美女很多，
我未来男友在这里。
Shanghai
Few cities can match
its historical treasures.
Every hutong you find
has a new story to offer.
Ever-changing on its
march to modernity,
it is both compelling and complex.
Beijing nourishes
ambitious young hearts,
forcing them to
dream big and hustle hard.
As China's cultural hub,
its top-notch museums,
galleries, and music venues,
are sure to keep you busy
both day and night.
One Night In 北京信乐团 - Shin
♫
One night in 北京，
我留下许多情。
不管你爱与不爱，
都是历史的尘埃。
……
不敢在午夜问路，
怕走到了百花深处。
And how could we leave out
that well-known catchy song?
北京欢迎你群星 - 北京2008年奥运会歌曲专辑
♫
北京欢迎你，
为你开天辟地，
流动中的魅力充满着朝气。
北京欢迎你，
在太阳下分享呼吸，
在黄土地刷新成绩。
Beijing
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