(Verse 1) Once I hated this city Now it can't get me down Slushy, humid and gritty What a pretty Town What, thought I, could be duller More depressing, less gay? Now my favorite color Is gray (Chorus 1) A wall of rain as it turns to sleet The lack of sun on a one-way street I love the grime all the time And what more do I need? My window pane has a lovely view: An inch of sky and a fly or two Why, I can see half a tree And what more do I need? The dusk is thick and it's galling; It simply can't be excused In winter even the falling snow looks Used My window pane may not give much light But I see you, so the view is bright If I can love you, I'll pay the dirt no heed! With your love, what more do I need? (Verse 2)
Someone shouting for quiet Someone starting a brawl Down the block there's a riot And I'll buy it All! Listen, now I'm ecstatic Hold me close and be still Hear the lovely pneumatic Drill! (Chorus 2) A subway train thunders through the Bronx A taxi horn on the corner honks But I adore every roar And what more do I need? I hear a crane making street repairs A two-ton child running wild upstairs Steam pipes bang, sirens clang And what more do I need? The neighbors yell in the summer The landlord yells in the fall So loud I can't hear the plumber Pound the wall An aeroplane roars across the bay But I can hear you as clear as day: You said you love me Above the sound and speed With your love What more do I need?