When you were made is a song by Drake about his hometown of Toronto. This article will share 10 songs that mention the city where they are from, and provide their lyrics to show how diverse the city is when it comes to music. Some artists mention their hometown as a way of paying homage while others use it as an example of what life was like growing up in certain areas. There is no shortage of rap songs about cities across North America, but this list has some more obscure options for those who want something different!
“My City” by K’naan is a perfect example of an artist who pays homage to his hometown. The song was written in tribute to the Somali community in Toronto and reflects on a hard work ethic that allowed them to thrive there.
Walking Under Stars” by Roy Woods mentions Scarborough as one of many cities he’s walked under stars with someone special. Although not explicitly stated, this is likely referring to when he meets up with his girlfriend from high school for old time’s sake (Scarborough being where they met).
Ain’t Nobody Nice Like Me” by JODI also has lyrics about Vancouver: ‘You can find me at my local Chinese restaurant / And I’m just chilling like a villain’.
L.A. Woman” by The Doors is a tribute to Los Angeles, with lyrics about the culture and climate of everything from Hollywood Boulevard to Santa Monica Pier (and beyond).
London’s Burning” by Joe Strummer starts off with a literal fire in London before mentioning how the city ‘never sleeps’ due to its 24-hour nature. This song also references many other aspects of life in London, like public transportation or where people would go for an evening out on the town – all that come together to make this iconic English capital what it is today!
Escape Artist” by Jason Mraz has some lyrical content focused around New York City. In particular, there are mentions of Central Park, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty.
London Calling” by The Clash is a song that encompasses life in London during World War II – which was when it was released. It became one of their most popular songs for this reason and is still considered one of the best representations of what being young and living in London might have been like at that time period.
Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio has lyrics about Los Angeles’ gangs, violence, and drugs as well as references to places like Rodeo Drive or Hollywood Boulevard (which are both famous destinations within LA). This all gives us an idea about what life may be like if you’re involved with the crime!
The City That Knows How” by R. Kelly is a song about the city of Memphis, Tennessee which is where he grew up and still lives to this day. This song celebrates the people within it who have earned their spot in society – some for music, others for sports or politics!
The Rose City” by The Avett Brothers has lyrics that talk specifically about Portland, Oregon’s allure as a destination with various areas like Chinatown or Old Town (amongst many other things). If you want more information on what life may be like when living here then take a listen to this one!
New York State of Mind” was written by Billy Joel and talks about how being from New York feels so different than anywhere else because we live there.
Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros has lyrics that talk about how you can never really leave your hometown behind. You’ll always be connected to it, but sometimes when we’re at home in bed we feel like everyone is against us – this song talks about how there are times when back home feeling so good because nothing else compares!
New Orleans Ladies” by The Rolling Stones was written as a tribute to all of the New Orleans women who have been seen through generations. It’s “a loving salute of respect”. This song celebrates their spirit with its lively music which sounds just like Carnival time!
The famous singer/songwriter John Prine also wrote his own personal favorite city into one of his most famous songs, “Paradise.” This song is a tribute to the town of Paradise in California. Prine says that he’s lived many years there and this song just comes naturally to him when he thinks about it.
