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