By Gus Saltonstall
It is not every day that a four-time Grammy Award-winning singer releases an ode to the Upper West Side, but that is exactly what happened when Sarah Jarosz dropped “Columbus & 89th Street” last week. Jarosz, a singer-songwriter originally from Texas, is a 10-time Grammy-Award-nominated artist who won top prize for Best Folk Album of 2017 and Best American Roots Song of 2019.
Her latest single, “Columbus & 89th Street,” pays homage to the Upper West Side and is chock full of references to the community in both its lyrics and music video.
“I’ve been told that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. That you’ll recognize the feeling when it comes along,” Jarosz sings. “Once in a while the stars will align at the corner of Columbus and 89th Street.”
The music video includes a walk around Columbus and 89th Street, the section of Riverside Park just above Hippo Playground, El Gallo Taqueria near West 84th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, and the shuttered and boarded up Mermaid Inn location near West 88th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
Other moments from the music video include a venture into Central Park to look out on the Reservoir and a stop into Fred’s for a cocktail.
“So give my regards to Broadway and tell her I’m in a good place,” reads the lyrics.
The “Columbus & 89th” music video has already been viewed more than 20,000 times and is supported by a variety of Upper West Side-positive comments.
“My husband was living right around 89th and Columbus when we met and this song has me crying happy tears,” one person wrote. “Absolutely beautiful!”
Jarosz has been an Upper West Side resident herself for years.
“Once in a while the stars will align at the corner of Columbus and 89th Street,” repeats throughout the song.
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Quoting Joni Mitchell is ironic. Joni was correct and warned against Corporate takeover. That happended right here on the UWS.
A beautiful, musical ode to my Upper West Side.
This is a wonderful tune by Sarah. It elevates the neighborhood
Sarah Jarosz has evolved into a masterful musician. It’s a shame that her artistry gets overlooked in the haze of commercial fare — which, I’m guessing, doesn’t affect her intentions a tittle. Love this sublime ode to my block.
I feel so blessed to have been born and bred on the UWS! This video gave me all the feels. I don’t live there anymore, but my 100-year-old grandma still lives on the 5th floor walkup right above West Side Kids. Alice watched me grow up. I miss her. Seeing my old building in this video is everything! I wish I could find a rent-stabilized apartment and move back to my ‘hood.
How cool. Go Grandma!
was anyone else hoping the see the new mermaid inn sign coming after the short shot of the mermaid inn sign closing?
I moved into W 89 st off Columbus Ave in 1969 when I graduated college, then moved to W88 st where I still am. Love this song
Central Park by the Hippo Playground
Beautiful song and well done! Reminds me of Upper West Sider’s Suzzane Vega’s song on another UWS institution . . . Tom’s Diner.
Miss my old neighborhood after moving from New York 🙁