Listen, all you New Yorkers, there's a rumor going 'round
That some of you good people want to leave this town
But you better consult with me before you go, yeah
'Cause I've been to all those places and I know

(Chicago?)
Well Chicago's all right
It's got marshall field and soldiers field and it's on a nice lake
But it hasn't got the handsomes in the park
It hasn't got the skyline after dark
(That's why New York's my home, never let me leave it)
New York's my home, sweet home

(San Francisco?)
San Francisco is a lovely place
It's got lots of hills and lots of thrills
And it's near an ocean of some size
But it hasn't got the Bowery or the Bronx
Hasn't got the Harlem honkytonks
(That's why New York's my home, it's my favorite city)
New York's my home, sweet home

(Saint Louis?)
Lots of people like St. Louis
It's got lots of shoes and St. Louis blues
And one of our large rivers runs by
But, it hasn't got the Opera and the Mets
Hasn't got a famous string quartet
(That's why New York's my home, not a place to visit)
New York's my home, sweet home

(Hollywood?)
Hollywood's got movie stars and movie czars
Cocktail bars, shiny cars
And a wonderful climate they say
But it hasn't got the handy subway trains
You seldom find a taxi when it rains
(That's why New York's my home, take your California)
New York's my home, sweet home

So save your time and trouble
Save your railroad fare
Save your time and trouble
Save your railroad fare
'Cause when you leave New York
You don't go anywhere

New York's my home
A fabulous place to live
A wonderful town, wonderful town, wonderful town...