Taxis in Song
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.

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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

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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

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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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