“New York, New York” was not originally devised by Frank Sinatra. as the first variation of this song, it was written by Fred Ebb, composed by John Kander and then sung by a singer/actress Liza Minnelli in a broad way play in 1977. However, the song didn’t get popular until it was given to Frank Sinatra in 1978 who re-recorded the song and reworded the ending verses. Then releasing the version, we know today in 1980 with his album “Trilogy: Past Present Future” which, was a huge success in getting the song recognized by the public. Although, Sinatra’s and Minnelli endings slightly differ, their overall idea that going to New York is an adventure into the unknown that can make you big time is present in both.
On the surface of this song’s lyrics,
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In a stanza in Minnelli’s version she notes that, “to find I'm a number 1, top of the list” in regards to her making herself big performing on Broadway. Having its fair share of success stories of actors making it big in the business along with many stories of failure from people who gave up everything to work on Broadway but could not make the cut for show business. Meanwhile in Sinatra’s rendering of the song, he used it for a personal song on his upcoming album “Trilogy: Past Present Future” to indirectly describe his pursuit of glory in the big city. As in his version of the song he changed Minnelli stanza previously mentioned before to, “To find I'm a number one, head of the list, Cream of the crop at the top of the heap” just to give his own personal touch on saying how he wanted to make it in New York. This fame for Sinatra was a big deal at the time as this upcoming album was going to be released off Broadway and would get him back on the spotlight. The final stanza in both versions of the song state the situation these singers are in “If I can make it there, I'm gonna make it anywhere. It's up to you, New York, New York” as they are at the mercy of the city and are dependent on the people to be critics for if they are worth the popularity. However, this brings up the point that both Sinatra and Minnelli sing their success story in