New York, New York

Nina Hagen's song "New York, New York" is a vibrant and energetic ode to the city that never sleeps. The lyrics paint a picture of New York City as a bustling, dynamic metropolis, full of life and excitement. Hagen's admiration for the city is evident as she describes it as the "hottest place" for a honeymoon and her "favorite place" due to the many people with "golden faces." This phrase likely refers to the diverse and vibrant population that makes New York City so unique and appealing.

The song captures the essence of New York's nightlife, with references to various iconic clubs such as AM/PM, Pyramid, Roxy, Mudd Club, and Danceteria. These clubs were central to the city's music and cultural scene, especially during the late 70s and early 80s, a period known for its explosive creativity and the birth of new musical genres. Hagen's repeated mention of going from "disco to disco" and "shaking our hair to the disco rap" highlights the non-stop, exhilarating nature of New York's nightlife, where there's always a new place to explore and new experiences to be had.

The song also touches on the idea of self-discovery and self-expression, particularly in the lines where Hagen declares, "I create ecstasy in my world, I know who I am, and I am willing to declare myself to the world." This reflects the city's reputation as a place where people come to find themselves and to express their true identities without fear of judgment. The mention of David Bowie, an icon of self-expression and reinvention, further emphasizes this theme. In essence, "New York, New York" is not just a tribute to the city's physical attributes but also to its spirit of freedom, creativity, and endless possibilities.