About the song
“In the City” is a rock song that has become an iconic anthem in the world of music. Written by Barry De Vorzon and Joe Walsh, the song was first recorded by Walsh himself and released on the soundtrack for the 1979 film The Warriors. The song’s unique blend of rock and roll, blues, and country elements has made it a fan favorite, and its enduring popularity has led to numerous covers and references in popular culture.
The song’s origins date back to the late 1970s, when Walsh was approached by the filmmakers of The Warriors to write a song for the movie’s soundtrack. Walsh, who was already an established musician with the Eagles, saw an opportunity to create a song that would capture the essence of the film’s gritty, urban landscape. The result was “In the City,” a song that features Walsh’s signature guitar work, including his use of a Gibson double-neck guitar.
The song’s popularity was further cemented when the Eagles decided to record their own version of “In the City” for their album The Long Run. The band’s version of the song features a more polished production and a slightly different arrangement, but it retains the same raw energy and emotional intensity as Walsh’s original recording.
Over the years, “In the City” has become a staple of the Eagles’ live shows, and its popularity has been fueled by its inclusion on various compilation albums and live recordings. The song has also been featured in several films and television shows, including The Simpsons and Rick and Morty, further cementing its status as a rock classic.
Video
Lyrics
Somewhere out on that horizon
Out beyond the neon lights
I know there must be somethin’ better
But there’s nowhere else in sight
It’s survival in the city
When you live from day to day
City streets don’t have much pity
When you’re down, that’s where you’ll stay
In the city
Oh, oh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
In the city
Oh, oh
I was born here in the city
With my back against the wall
Nothing grows, and life ain’t very pretty
No one’s there to catch you when you fall
Somewhere out on that horizon
Faraway from the neon sky
I know there must be somethin’ better
And I can’t stay another night
Ooh
In the city
Oh, oh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
In the city
Oh, oh
In the city
In the city
In the city
Oh, oh