You Belong To The City by Glenn Frey

Album: Miami Vice Soundtrack (1985)

Charted: 2

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Songfacts®:

This cosmopolitan-sounding song deals with those who live in urban areas. It's about how a crowded city can be a very lonely place.
Along with "The Heat Is On," this was the biggest hit for Glenn Frey as a solo artist. Both songs went to #2 in America in 1985, with "The Heat Is On" held off by REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "You Belong To The City" fended off by another "city" song: "We Built This City" by Starship.
This was used in the TV series Miami Vice in the 1985 season 2 episode "The Prodigal Son." In the first season, Frey acted in an episode that was based on his song "Smuggler's Blues." Both songs were used on the first Miami Vice soundtrack album, which sold over 4 million copies. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
Frey's friend Jack Tempchin wrote this song with him. Tempchin and Frey met in the late '60s when they were both starting out as singer-songwriters. After Frey formed the Eagles, he had the group record two of Tempchin's songs: "Peaceful Easy Feeling" and "Already Gone." When the group broke up in 1980, Frey made Tempchin his primary co-writer, a role previously filled by Don Henley. This partnership lasted until the Eagles reunited in 1994.

Comments: 8

Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn this day in 1985 {November 10th} "You Belong To The City" by Glenn Frey peaked at #2* {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's Top 100 chart...
Between 1982 and 1992 the Detroit rocker had twelve Top 100 records, two made the Top 10 with both peaking at #2, the above "You Belong To The City" and "The Heat Is On" for 1 week on March 10th, 1985...
* The two weeks that "You Belong to the City" was at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "We Built This City" by Starship...
Ken from Louisville, KyThe Eagles' various "reunion" tours since 1994 featured several solo songs from Don Henley and Joe Walsh. But Glen Frey was reluctant to include his solo songs, possibly because he still wanted to do solo tours between Eagles' tours. But this was his second biggest solo hit (after The Heat Is On) and the rest of the band wanted to do it live, so he agreed.
Andrew from Cebu City, PhilippinesI love this song. I was born in the city. Then I got married and lived in my (then) wife's province. My life was not peaceful there; even my (then) wife became my enemy. I left the province and went back to the city I live in with my girlfriend now. Even though I was known in our place in the city, I live a peaceful life. I belong to the city.
Leah from Brooklyn, NyI remember hearing that at first, the song was supposed to be about Tubbs, since he was the one who had come from the mean streets of New York, and the episode was about his return there, to get vengeance on the criminal who had shot his brother. But for some reason, the Producer decided to focus the song on Sonny, walking the streets.
Paul from Kennewick, WaThe original video of this song is one of the most gritty and realistic ever done,and I believe is indeed dedicated to those who live their lives on the streets. I've been there and I know how tough and unforgiving it can be out there.But also, the very best in people is often brought out in those very same jungles. The Miami Vice episode where Crockett walks the streets of New York and gets an up close view of it all is by far my favorite of the show.
Liz from Smallville, KsI heard my mom singing this once...hmmm...She really loves the eagles.
Kevin from Memphis , Tna great version of this song is on the eagle's farewell 1 tour dvd (almost 8 minutes long and worth every last second!)
Jennifer Harris from Grand Blanc, MiI like this song,too. My favorite is Sexy Girl.It was on the jukebox in our old clubhouse.on Kearsley st.we are now on S.dort hwy. I wish we had a cd jukebox.

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