And now I know,
Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say.
I thought I knew,
But now I know that rose trees never grow in New York City

Until you've seen this trash-can [bad word] [bad word] 
You stand at the edge while [bad word] you through,
And I thank the Lord there's people out there like you,
I thank the Lord there's people out there like you

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers,
Turn around and say good morning to the night,
For unless they see the sky,
But they can't, and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light

This Broadway's got, it's got a lot of songs to sing,
If I knew the tunes I might join in.
I'll go my way alone,
Grow my own, my own seeds shall be sown in New York City

Subway's no way for a good man to go down,
Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown,
And I thank the Lord for the people I have found,
I thank the Lord for the people I have found

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers,
Turn around and say good morning to the night,
For unless they see the sky,
But they can't, and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light

And now I know,
Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say.
I thought I knew,
But now I know that rose trees never grow in New York City

Subway's no way for a good man to go down,
Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown,
And I thank the Lord for the people I have found,
I thank the Lord for the people I have found

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers,
Turn around and say good morning to the night,
For unless they see the sky,
But they can't, and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light
They know not if it's dark outside or light