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The New York City taxicab is almost as famous as the city it serves, having been immortalized in film, literature and music throughout its relatively brief existence. Scroll down for a few examples. |
Taxis in Song
| Taxis have also become iconic through music. Over the past few decades, some of the biggest names of music have written about the taxicab, usually as part of a song for their love of New York City. Scroll down to see a few examples from The Boss, Cher, Joni Mitchell, and others. |
Taxi
by Harry Chapin
*Note While the song takes place in San Francisco, it is believed that it is based upon Chapin's attempt to become a New York cab driver.
| It was raining hard in 'Frisco, I needed one more fare to make my night. A lady up ahead waved to flag me down, She got in at the light Oh, where you going to, my lady blue, It's a shame you ruined your gown in the rain. |
She just looked out the window, and said "Sixteen Parkside Lane". Something about her was familiar I could swear I'd seen her face before, But she said, "I'm sure you're mistaken" And she didn't say anything more. |
Big Yellow Taxi
by Joni Mitchell
| They paved paradise And put up a parking lot With a pink hotel, a boutique And a swinging hot spot Don't it always seem to go |
That you don't know what you've got Till it's gone They paved paradise And put up a parking lot |
Taxi, Taxi
by Cher
| All these streets are never ending Tie them in a knot Drive me through a red light waiting For everyone to stop Sing to me like Pavarotti Sing to me of Spain Take me to your operetta |
And make it rain CHORUS: TAxi, Taxi give me a ride I'm going to take you To the other side Taxi, taxi turn off your light |
Taxicab (City at Night)
by Bruce Springsteen
| Taxicab, taxicab at the light Won't you take me on a ride Through this city at night I got some money and I'm feelin' fine I ain't no hurry so just take your time. |
Some people wanna die young and gloriously Well taxicab driver, hey that ain't me I got a cute little baby Down at 12th and Vine And she opes for business just about closin' time |
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