Of all the great songs written about New York, and there have been many, I think my favourite is Cole Porter's "I Happen to Like New York", which was written for a 1930 musical called The New Yorkers (its most famous song was "Love for Sale", incidentally). From the title to the tone of the lyrics, it perfectly captures the nonchalance (on the surface) and pride (to the core) that Gotham natives share. The music, in majestic 3/4 time, builds from a pensive, wistful opening to a climax of elation, similar to the feelings that can arise on a Sunday afternoon stroll in the city. Here is the link to Judy Garland's version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6c9_3yjV7k