NYC

Interpol's 'NYC' is a poignant reflection on urban isolation and the search for personal identity amidst the chaos of city life. The opening lines, 'I had seven faces / Thought I knew which one to wear,' suggest a struggle with self-identity, as the narrator grapples with the different personas they feel compelled to adopt. This could be a metaphor for the way city dwellers often have to change their behavior to suit different situations, or it might reflect a deeper existential uncertainty.

The repeated references to the subway as a 'porno' and the pavements as a 'mess' paint a grim picture of New York City, highlighting the grit and grime that often accompany urban living. These lines could be interpreted as a commentary on the overstimulation and moral decay that one might experience in such an environment. Despite the support the narrator has received, there's a sense of disillusionment that pervades the song, suggesting that the external validation is not enough to fulfill them or to make them feel a part of the city.

The chorus, 'It's up to me now, turn on the bright lights,' serves as a call to action for the narrator to take control of their life and find their own way. The 'bright lights' of New York City are emblematic of hope, opportunity, and the potential for change. The song captures the essence of the city as both a place of endless possibility and profound loneliness, urging a personal transformation as the antidote to the narrator's sense of detachment.