A New York City Girl I'd know.
Workin' in the concrete, not the sunlight,
Livin' in that New York rain and snow.
Lyrics
Had I been born in New York City
A New York City Girl I'd know.
Workin' in the concrete, not the sunlight,
Livin' in that New York rain and snow.
And a California woman in my soul.
Oh, there's California bloodlinesin my heart,
And a California heartbeat in my soul.
And just to think I might have never known you
If I had lived my life in Tennessee.
But I really could have never let that happen,
For you and California are in me.
All lyrics copyright John Stewart
As the title indicates present displacement from past roots is through space, as well as time. New York: rain (tears?), snow, man-made environs is contrasted to California: sun (life), the natural habitat ( past). Movement (displacement) is linked to the present. The elemental flow / growth of nature is compared to the flow / rebirth of bloodlines in the album. The personal nature of this subject is evident in the 'heart','soul','song' words on the final beat. The first person "I" is established from the outset. The gap between singer and character is diminished. This song provides an introduction to the bloodlines past by viewing it from the present point of view.