An Empire State of Mind parody by Charlene Havlicek.

We loved the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys song and thought it would be cool to do a version about Vancouver. Just something we did for fun.

This is something we just threw together, so the sound quality isn’t the greatest. Ellery is actually an Editor and did the rap part since we didn’t have anyone else around while we were putting this together, so no offense intended to the real rap artists out there and their craft! 🙂 This is all meant to be taken as light hearted fun that pokes a little at some of the good and bad of Vancouver.

Ellery Vandooyeweert wrote the lyrics and performed the Jay-z part.
Charlene Havlicek performed the Alicia Keys part.
Kevin Pavlovic directed and put it all together.

Lyrics: Vancouver State of Mind

You wanna live near downtown? West End off Robson.
A Half a mill 1 bedroom, that’s how we roll son.

Collecting average pay cheque. But still if you can make it here
You can make it anywhere. (Less expensive everywhere)

I used to roll in Yaletown, all of my young urban pros.
Right there off of Homer, eatin’ our steam rolled burritos.

Hit the twin Starbucks, Robson and Thurlow Street.
Can’t afford my coffee, cuz of fucking HST.

Cruising down Georgia, dark grey Rav 4.
Can’t park my ride, yo. Parking costs a shit load.

I’m out to GM Place, home of Luongo.
2010 hero. Cup’s still a no go.

Chugging my 6 dollar beer, 90 dollar ticket.
Sitting nosebleed, up so high I can’t see shit.

Pints at the Cambie. Doubles at the Morrisey.
Tell by my broke ass that I’m most definitely from…

[chorus]
Vancouver!
West Coast city where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Here in Vancouver!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
These sights will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for Vancouver, Vancouver, Vancouver.

Kid Carson in the morning, only good thing on the Beat.
Can’t stand hearing Kei$ha, guess I’ll listen to the Peak.
Getting tired of C-Fox. Jacks a crappy franchise.
Whenever Nickelback is played, a little part of me dies inside.

Head for lunch on Broadway, every corner sushi’s sold.
Grab a bite at Tojo’s, Home of the Cali roll.
Fujiya, Shabusen, Japadog, Eatery,
Got your Japanese food. You’re covered for your sushi needs.

We’re Hollywood North, full of actors trying to make it.
5 bucks for the lead in a student film, they’ll take it.
Smallville, X-Files, Fringe, and Galactica
Vancouver Library a stand in for old Caprica

Home of Seth Rogan, Ryan Reynolds, Tegan Quinn
Micheal J Fox, welcome back Josh Jackson.
Shooting scenes in Stanley Park. Avoid Junkies in Pigeon Park.
Checkin’ out Grace Park, sexin’ up the Battlestar.

[chorus]
Vancouver!
West Coast city where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Here in Vancouver!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
These sights will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for Vancouver, Vancouver, Vancouver.

One hand in the air for Van City,
Sweet sights, big dreams all looking pretty,
No place in the world that can compare,
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say yeaaahh
yeaaahh, yeah

[chorus]
Vancouver!
West Coast city where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Here in Vancouver!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
These sights will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for Vancouver, Vancouver, Vancouver.