Nellie McKay

Manhattan Avenue

Nellie McKay


Send a breeze 
A pitbull's yelp 
A tender squeeze 
A cry for help 
Make it now 
And make it fast 
Such memories 
Can never last 
I long for the days 
Music and mayhem 
Mama's a smilin' friend 
In the scuzzy hue of the sunlight 
Manhattan avenue 

Lionel please 
Watch o'er our door 
The children tease 
I beg for more 
Chipping paint 
The ceiling's spent 
Aw ain't it great 
Can't make the rent 
I long for the days 
Kittens are meowling 
Junkies are prowling 
Deep in the jazzy hue of the streetlight
Manhattan avenue 

[instrumental break]

How wild it is 
What strange a vice 
That a mugger and a child should share the same paradise
Oh but dreams come true on
Manhattan avenue