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"Once Upon a Time in New York City" is the first song that plays at the beginning of the 1988 Disney animated feature film Oliver & Company. It is performed by Huey Lewis and the News with music by Barry Mann and lyrics by Howard Ashman.

Lyrics[]

Now it's always once upon a time, in New York City
It's a big old, bad old, tough old town, it's true
But beginnings are contagious there
They're always setting stages there
They're always turning pages there for you

Ain't it great the way it all begins in New York City
Right away, you're making time, and making friends
No one cares where you were yesterday
If they pick you out, you're on your way
To a once upon a time that never ends

So Oliver, don't be shy
Get out there and go and try
Believing that you're the guy
They're dying to see

'Cause a dream's no crime
Not once upon a time
Once upon a time in New York City

If it's always once upon a time in New York City
Why does nightfall find you feeling so alone?
How could any one stay starry-eyed
When it's raining cats and dogs outside?
And the rain is saying, "Now you're on your own"

So Oliver, don't be scared
Though yesterday no one cared
They're getting your place prepared
Where you want to be

Keep your dream alive
Dreaming is still how the strong survive
Once upon a time in New York City

Keep your dream alive
Dreaming is still how the strong survive
Once upon a time in New York City
Keep your dream alive
Dreaming is still how the strong survive
Once upon a time in New York City

And it's always once upon a time, in New York City

Trivia[]

  • This was the first song that Howard Ashman wrote for Disney and his only Disney song not collaborated with by Alan Menken.


v - e - d
Oliver & Company Logo
Media
Oliver & Company • (Soundtrack/Video)
Disney Parks
Fireworks: Wondrous Journeys
Characters
OliverDodgerFaginTitoRitaFrancisEinsteinGeorgetteJenny FoxworthWinstonBill SykesRoscoe and DeSotoLouie the Hot Dog ManAlley DogsPenny (deleted) • Rufus (deleted)
Locations
New York CityFagin's BargeFoxworth ResidenceSykes' Warehouse
Songs
Once Upon a Time in New York CityWhy Should I WorryStreets of GoldPerfect Isn't EasyGood CompanyBuscando Guayaba
See Also
Fagin's ScooterSykes' CadillacFoxworths' Limousine
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