from the shores of the mediterranean

all the way to new york city

it's bloody expensive to live in that town

and i found out the hard way

but i almost had it all

was it washington square

or the way you wore your hair

was it central park

or kissing after dark

guess i'll never know

not sure i even care

but my heart will always live

with you and me there

but i can't afford to live in new york city

ah ah ah

and she can't afford to leave

ah ah

i can't afford to live in new york city

ah ah ah

and she can't afford to leave

but god i miss her

was it the sea port in june

or your face by the moon

was it soho's charm

or you and i arm in arm

was it the six train uptown

or true love that i found

it all blends into one

when i think of you now

and i can't afford to live in new york city

ah ah ah

and she can't afford to leave

ah ah

i can't afford to live in new york city

ah ah ah

and she can't afford to leave

well i know that a promise is to keep

but money's tight and i've been losing sleep

old man circumstance will have his way it's true

but what i wouldn't give to stay here with you

but i can't afford to live in new york city

ah ah ah

and she can't afford to leave

ah ah

i can't afford to live in new york city

ah ah ah

and she can't afford to leave

and i've never been good at goodbyes

but goodbyes are all i have

and i can't afford to live in new york city

and i'm pulling outta here

is there anything i can say

to make you change your mind