The Moldy Peaches

Lyrics

3 ContributorsNYC’s Like a Graveyard LyricsNew York City's like a graveyard
All the corpses like the way I play my guitar
You've gotta be cute if you wanna get far
New York City's like a graveyard

All the tombstones—sky scraping
All the rock stars double dating
So if you hate me, go on hating
You've been waiting your whole life for this moment to be waiting

We've got it
We've got it
We've got it
We've got it

All those hookers in their fucking car
Twelve stepping hippies hanging out at the bar
Suckers and fuckers and stupid retards
New York City's like a graveyard

We've got it
We've got it
We've got it
We've got it

All the yuppies getting married
All the yuppies getting buried
Singing in this city's like singing on the prairie
New York City's like a cemetary

NYC's Like a Graveyard by The Moldy Peaches is a song that catapulted into the spotlight for its ironic release on September 11, 2001. This date holds great significance in American history as it marks the tragic events of the 9/11 attacks. The title itself, "NYC's Like a Graveyard," immediately captures attention and raises eyebrows given the timing of its release. The Moldy Peaches faced scrutiny in the aftermath of the tragedy, as the song includes lines that seemingly allude to the devastation and loss experienced in New York City.

About NYC's Like a Graveyard

NYC's Like a Graveyard is a somber and thought-provoking song by The Moldy Peaches. It delves into the paradoxical nature of life in New York City, drawing parallels between the bustling metropolis and a graveyard. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of tombstones skyscraping and yuppies being buried, presenting a rather bleak perspective of the city that never sleeps.

The Moldy Peaches, an indie folk outfit formed by Adam Green and Kimya Dawson, released NYC's Like a Graveyard as part of their self-titled debut album in 2001. While the song gained attention for its controversial timing, it is important to unpack its deeper meaning and artistic intent.

The song's lyrics serve as a commentary on the vibrant yet transient nature of life in a city as dynamic as New York. By likening the city to a graveyard, The Moldy Peaches shed light on the fragility and impermanence of human existence amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. It poses questions about the price of ambition and the toll it takes on individuals in pursuit of success.

One cannot help but appreciate the poetic stance of NYC's Like a Graveyard, as it encapsulates the contradictory emotions experienced in New York City. On one hand, the city represents opportunity, excitement, and ambition. On the other hand, it can be a cold and unforgiving place, leaving individuals feeling isolated and insignificant amidst the masses. The Moldy Peaches skillfully capture this duality and challenge the romanticized image often associated with the Big Apple.

It is worth noting that The Moldy Peaches have been known for their offbeat and unconventional approach to songwriting. Their music is characterized by rawness, simplicity, and a DIY aesthetic. NYC's Like a Graveyard stays true to this ethos, with its lo-fi production, stripped-down melodies, and emotionally charged vocals. The song evokes a sense of intimacy, allowing listeners to connect with its profound lyrics on a personal level.

While the release of NYC's Like a Graveyard on September 11, 2001 was purely coincidental, it undoubtedly added another layer of complexity to the song's reception. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, emotions were heightened, and any content remotely related to the tragedy was met with increased scrutiny. The Moldy Peaches found themselves in the midst of controversy, with some accusing them of insensitivity or exploiting the tragedy for artistic gain.

Yet, it is crucial to separate the timing of the song's release from its actual content. NYC's Like a Graveyard is not a deliberate attempt to exploit or diminish the gravity of 9/11. Rather, it offers a unique perspective on the bustling city and the complex emotions it evokes. The Moldy Peaches, like many artists, use their craft to explore and shed light on the human experience, even in the face of tragedy.

Music has always been a means of expression, a way for artists to grapple with the world around them. NYC's Like a Graveyard is no exception. It encourages listeners to question, reflect, and engage in conversations about the contradictions and paradoxes that define cities and our lives within them.

In the end, NYC's Like a Graveyard stands as a testament to the power of music to stir emotions, provoke thought, and spark dialogue. Whether it was the song's coincidental release date, the lyrical exploration of life in New York City, or the controversy that surrounded it, this song has undeniably left its mark on music history.

• Release Date: September 11, 2001
• Artist: The Moldy Peaches