The first time that I saw you, you were waiting for the train
Your body like a shadow slipped away
A bright display of color, and the tunnel swept me under
And the last thing I remember was your face

I hoped you would appear, in some old movie theater chair
Some old vinyl back-booth diner way downtown
I watched for you in windows, sprayed your name across cement walls
In parking lots when no one was around

The city lights, they shine like silver, the city lights, they shine like gold
I'm holding out, for something better, what it is, I don’t know

The second time I saw you, you were running in the rain
Ducked back into a chinese restaurant
I drove around the block, cursed the light, double parked
Found only an old scarf that you forgot

I wore it that whole winter, hoped you'd see me in the street
Your eye would catch and suddenly you'd know
A glance inside the subway, the central station bustling
And two strangers locking eyes above it all

The city lights, they shine like silver, the city lights, they shine like gold
I’m holding out, for something better, what it is, I don't know

I'm alright, if you're asking, I'm just tired, and I'm just stoned
And the city lights, are a constellation, and your upturned face is, what I'm looking for

I came around the corner on a bitter saturday
A flower stand and trash cans on the curb
I bought a cup of coffee from a man who never saw me
Turned around and raised it up and there you were

My heart escaped my body, flew right up and disappeared
I thought that I might lose you in the crowd
But you crossed the street and suddenly your voice was in my ear
Saying don't i know your face from somewhere else

The city lights, they shine like silver, the city lights, they shine like gold
I’m holding out, for something better, what it is, I don’t know
I'm holding out, for something better, what it is, I don’t know