"New York, New York" is a song about the promise and allure of New York City and how it inspires people to strive for greatness. The song opens with the narrator declaring their intention to leave and become a part of the city that never sleeps. The "vagabond shoes" in the lyrics represent a yearning for adventure and the desire to roam freely through the city.

The lyrics go on to reflect the iconic status that New York holds in popular culture, with the narrator dreaming of waking up in a city that never sleeps and becoming a "king of the hill." The "blues" mentioned in the song could represent the melancholy and loneliness that often accompany life in a big city, but the narrator appears determined to overcome these challenges and make a fresh start in the city.

Ultimately, the song is about the endless possibilities and opportunities that New York offers, with the narrator expressing a willingness to go anywhere and do anything as long as they can be a part of the city's vibrant culture. "New York, New York" has become an anthem for the city and a symbol of the American Dream.