About The Song
Background
- Written Primarily by Joe Walsh: While Barry De Vorzon also contributed, Joe Walsh is the main songwriter of “In the City”.
- Featured on Two Releases: The song has an interesting history. It first appeared in the 1979 film The Warriors, performed by Walsh. It was later included on The Eagles’ iconic album The Long Run, released the same year.
- Album Oriented Rock Classic: Although it wasn’t an official single, “In the City” quickly became a staple on album-oriented rock (AOR) radio and a regular part of Joe Walsh’s concerts.
Themes
- Urban Isolation and Alienation: The song explores the coldness and loneliness often experienced in big city life. The protagonist feels disconnected and lost in the vast urban landscape.
- Searching for Connection: There’s a sense of longing in the lyrics, a desire to find something real and meaningful amidst the noise and anonymity of the city.
- The Illusion of Opportunity: The city offers a promise of excitement and opportunity, but this promise often proves hollow, leaving people feeling disillusioned and trapped.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some key lyrics and what they convey:
- “Welcome to the Hotel California / Such a lovely place…” This ironic twist on the iconic Eagles’ song hints at the darker side of city aspirations and the disillusionment they can bring.
- “Heard the roar of a big airplane / Long gone” Represents opportunities or dreams out of reach, fading away.
- “Pretty women looking for a good time / Pretty women taking boys home” Highlights the superficiality and fleeting nature of city encounters.
- “Standing on a corner / Suitcase in my hand” A classic image of the lonely outsider, drifting in the city.
Overall
“In the City” is a gritty and at times cynical look at urban life. It serves as a sharp contrast to the romanticized image of the city often found in popular culture. With its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics, it remains a powerful song that resonates with many.
Video
Lyric
🎶Let’s sing along with the lyrics!🎤
Somewhere out on that horizonOut beyond the neon lightsI know there must be somethin’ betterBut there’s nowhere else in sight
It’s survival in the cityWhen you live from day to dayCity streets don’t have much pityWhen you’re down, that’s where you’ll stay
In the cityOh, ohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohIn the cityOh, oh
I was born here in the cityWith my back against the wallNothing grows, and life ain’t very prettyNo one’s there to catch you when you fall
Somewhere out on that horizonFaraway from the neon skyI know there must be somethin’ betterAnd I can’t stay another nightOoh
In the cityOh, ohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohIn the cityOh, oh
In the city
In the city
In the cityOh, oh