Songs About Cities - Which is Your Favorite and Why?

Bruce Springsteen - image of singer and songwriter Bruce Springsteen who won an Academy Award for his song "Streets of Philadelphia" in the movie "Philadelphia" starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington.
@gifana (4833)
Portugal
January 19, 2007 1:34pm CST
There are so many songs that have been written about cities that it is very difficult to choose one in particular. But if I were really pushed into naming just one I would have to choose: Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen It is a haunting song written for the movie Philadelphia for which Springsteen won an Academy Award for the Best Song. I am not a fan of his but he has a few songs that I like very much. His lyrics are precious to say the least, although I was only in Philadelphia on my high school trip in 1954 I am sure that maybe if doubleB66 comes in he will give us a literary dissertation on the lyrics. At least I hope so....who knows it may be his favorite too.
6 people like this
6 responses
suscan
@suscan (1955)
• United States
21 Jan 07
That is a good song, I am not a big Springsteen fan,he has a couple good songs. Some of my favorites about cities are Please come to Boston- Loggins & Messina Walking To New Orleans-Fats Domino I left My Heart In San Francisco-Tony Bennett
2 people like this
gifana
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
21 Jan 07
The only one I am familiar with is the last one. Is there anything special attached to any of these songs?
1 person likes this
suscan
@suscan (1955)
• United States
21 Jan 07
Walking to New Orleans came out in 1960 and I was young and it just reminds me of my parents listening to it on the radio. Boston from Loggins & Messina came out in 1974,and it reminds me of that time when I was in my twenties and falling in love. My Dad sang along with Tony Bennett when that song came on the radio. I love music,it brings out so many emotions and memories.
1 person likes this
gifana
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
21 Jan 07
It's no wonder that I don't remember those songs because I was living outside the US at the time.
1 person likes this
It's Bee!
@Laydee83 (275)
• Atlanta, Georgia
2 Feb 07
Maybe I'm too young, but I have never heard any songs about a city. Unless I just can't think about it right now. But how about a state? I have been and probably always will be in love with "Georgia" - Ray Charles. He is a legend and his music moves me. I like a lil' funk and r&b and soul in my music. But yea, Georgia wins my vote on a state song. Sorry I can't think of a city though.
2 people like this
gifana
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
3 Feb 07
Ray Charles - Georgia on My Mind - Phot of album cover of Ray Charles featuring the song Georgia on My Mind written by Hoagy Carmichael. Offical state song of Georgia.
You see....you came up with Georgia by Ray Charles great song. You don't have to think of a city because the discussion was addended to include states as well. So you get a big +. Thanks for dropping by and giving us that great song.
claudia413
@claudia413 (4280)
• United States
2 Feb 07
Birthday Cake - This is a birthday cake for "gifana". I just hope I've put enough candles on it. It almost looks good enough to eat.
It took me some time to come up with my list of favorite songs about cities because I have so many of them:Moon Over Miami by Eddy Duchin and his Orchestra or by Vaughn Monroe Going to Kansas City (by whoever) Chicago - Frank Sinatra Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John New York, New York - Frank Sinatra Autumn in New York - Ella Fitzgerald Rainy Night in Georgia - Brook Benton I'm sure there are many more I love, but those are some of my very favorite songs about cities. P.S. Happy Birthday, my friend (here's a cake for you)
1 person likes this
claudia413
@claudia413 (4280)
• United States
4 Feb 07
Would you believe I know all those songs, too? I guess it's because while I was growing up my parents always had music on the radio (in the days before we had a TV). I've loved music all my life and just wish I could carry a tune and sing. I still love to hear many songs from the 40s and 50s. They bring back such good memories. I'm so glad you enjoyed your cake. LOL.
1 person likes this
gifana
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
5 Feb 07
Yeah....gained at least a pound...hehehehehe.
gifana
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
3 Feb 07
Great collection. How about Moonlight in Vermont by Margaret Whiting, I Got a Gal in Kalamazoo by Glenn Miller, Sioux City Sue by Gene Autry (among others), Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton etc., etc., Thanks again for the Happy Birthday and the cake.....I'm getting fatter by the minute.
1 person likes this
ElusiveButterfly
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
21 Jan 07
Thank you for including states! I went blank on the cities, except for a few. Frank Sinatra - Chicago and New York I love Moonlight in Vermont....a place close to my heart.
1 person likes this
gifana
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
21 Jan 07
I remember that song by Margaret Whiting probably long before your time. The words remind me of my roots in Maine. Pennies in a stream Falling leaves, a sycamore Moonlight in Vermont Icy finger-waves Ski trails on a mountainside Snowlight in Vermont Telegraph cables, they sing down the highway And travel each bend in the road. People who meet in this romantic setting Are so hypnotized by the lovely... Ev'ning summer breeze Warbling of a meadowlark Moonlight in Vermont Good choice.
1 person likes this
Withoutwings
@Withoutwings (6992)
• United States
5 Feb 07
Mine is "San Francisco" by Global DJs. It's a techno version of the old song - "If you're going to San Francisco - be sure to wear some flowers in your hair." I've always loved that song - it seems haunting to me. It's cool to hear the techno version.
1 person likes this
gifana
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
5 Feb 07
That's a good one....one of the few I liked that came out during the flower people days. Haven't heard the techno version. However, I am more of an acoustic person....more natural. Electronic sounds just don't turn me on.
villageanne
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
21 Jan 07
Humm?? How about a state? I like Almost Heaven West Virginia by John Denver. Does that count?/
1 person likes this
gifana
@gifana (4833)
• Portugal
21 Jan 07
That'll do just fine. Songs about states are hereby included in the discussion. I always liked the one Back Home Again in Indiana. Kate Smith used to sing it and it was the theme song of the humorist Herb Shriner who had a weekly TV show in the 50's. Shriner was often compared to Will Rogers. Thanks for bringing the idea of songs for states to my attention.