Friday night, we’re on the floor. We’re catching up and then the first band strikes a chord. Punks and skins, hardcore kids. We’re at home where the music is. Grab some fries, go ride the quarter pipe, pass that flyer for next weekend’s matinee. Spiky hair, boardwalk love affairs, summer nights we hoped would never fade away. We took our chances at the Casino, whoa. Learned hardcore dances at the Casino, whoa. In that place we were free to be the freaks we were always born to be, and it all happened at the Casino. Take a chance, don’t be afraid. Take a chance, don’t be afraid. We took our chances at the Casino. Learned hardcore dances at the Casino. In that place we were free, to be the freaks we were always born to be, and it all happened at the Casino.

Two years it’s been since it all went down. Two years of them all saying it’s over for this town. I’ll never forget those empty streets at night and all the gritty city souls that kept this place alive. I crossed the oceans, searched far and wide, flew round the world through day and night. But there’s no place I’d rather go, New York City forever, this is my home. I’ll take the glitz with all the grime. Take it at its best and worst of times. Give me a place that’s got a sou. New York City forever, this is my home. We clapped and we marched. We sat outside in the cold. We never gave up. We never abandoned our home. And we’re still here. Full of hope and full of pride. We’ll stand by this city, where we’ll live and where we’ll die. I crossed the oceans, searched far and wide, flew round the world through day and night. But there’s no place I’d rather go, New York City forever, this is my home. I’ll take the glitz with all the grime. Take it at its best and worst of times. Give me a place that’s got a sou. New York City forever, this is my home. Forever, whoa.

You always gave all that you had. When no one else did, you had my back. I want to thank you for it all. When times were lean, I never feared. Though hope seemed out of reach, you were always near. I want to thank you for it all. I won’t forget the things you said. “Don’t stop. Don’t fade. There’s always a way.” I made it by because you were always at my side. I made it through because of you. I want to thank you for it all.

It’s been a year now. I got by somehow. The world kept on spinning, left me reminiscing, spreading photos on the floor. I hoped I’d never get that call to say you’re gone. In my mind I can see you dancing, your headphones blasting (6AM shuffling out the door). I guess I’m doing just fine, but I still break down sometimes…when I hear your song. I hoped I’d never get that call to say you’re gone. So long, sleep well. It’s time to say goodbye.