Why Vampire Weekend’s ‘Jerusalem, New York, Berlin’ Is About More Than Judaism

By Michael Kelman Portney

Personal Connection to the Song 'Jerusalem, New York, Berlin' by Vampire Weekend

When I listen to Vampire Weekend’s “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin,” I don’t just hear a song—I hear a deeply personal exploration of identity, history, and loss. For me, the song isn’t about Judaism, Zionism, or even a singular cultural narrative. It’s about something much broader and more universal: the complexity of being human and navigating the intersections of identity, love, and longing.

And yet, when I talk to people about this song, I often encounter the same reductive interpretation: “Oh, it’s about Judaism.” As a Reform Jew, I find this frustrating, not only because it oversimplifies the song but because it flattens my own identity into something one-dimensional.

The Many Layers of the Song: Exploration of the Song's Themes Beyond Judaism

At its heart, this song is a meditation on multiple identities, on the ways we exist in tension with ourselves and the world around us. The cities—Jerusalem, New York, Berlin—carry layers of meaning: cultural, historical, personal. But they don’t exclusively represent Judaism or Jewish history. To me, they’re emotional landmarks, symbols of missed opportunities, dreams deferred, and the fragmented nature of modern identity.

When Ezra Koenig sings, “You’ve given me the big dream, but you can’t make it real,” I don’t hear a Zionist lament or a commentary on Jewish survival. I hear something far more personal and relatable—a reflection on love, on the hopes we place in people or ideals, and the pain of realizing they can’t always deliver.

The song’s lyrics and melodies invite listeners to explore their own narratives, to find personal meaning in the spaces between the words. It’s a song that acknowledges the complexity of identity, the way we are shaped by our histories, yet not defined by them. The cities mentioned are not just geographical locations but metaphors for the diverse experiences and emotions that shape our lives.

The Frustration of Reductionism: How Reductive Interpretations Affect Personal Identity

When people insist the song is about Judaism, it feels like an erasure. It reduces both the song and my connection to it to a single facet of my identity. As a Jew, yes, I see and respect the Jewish undertones in the song—the nods to history, exile, and cultural survival. But as a human being, I also see so much more: the longing for connection, the struggle to reconcile past and present, the bittersweet nature of love and loss.

This reductive framing doesn’t just miss the point of the song; it misses the point of who I am. My Jewish identity is an important part of me, but it’s not all of me. To assume that I would interpret the song only through a Jewish lens feels like being boxed in, as if my identity is a single thread rather than a tapestry.

The frustration stems from a broader societal tendency to simplify complex identities into easily digestible categories. This reductionism not only limits our understanding of art but also constrains our perception of each other. It’s a reminder of the importance of embracing the multifaceted nature of identity, of recognizing that we are all more than the sum of our parts.

The Big Dream: Personal Interpretation of the Song's Message About Love and Connection

For me, “the big dream” isn’t about Zionism, Judaism, or even peace in a historical sense. It’s about love. It’s about the yearning for connection and meaning that defines so much of the human experience. That’s why the song resonates so deeply with me—not because of its references to Jewish history, but because of its universality.

When people insist the song is about Judaism, it feels like they’re imposing their interpretation not just on the song but on me. It’s as though they’re saying, “This is how you’re supposed to feel about it because you’re Jewish.” That kind of projection feels dismissive, like an attack on the complexity of my identity and the depth of my connection to the song.

The “big dream” is a metaphor for the aspirations we all hold, the dreams that drive us forward despite the challenges we face. It’s about the pursuit of love, the desire for understanding, and the quest for a sense of belonging. These are universal themes that transcend cultural and religious boundaries, resonating with anyone who has ever dared to dream.

Reclaiming the Song: Emphasizing the Song's Openness and Universal Themes

What makes “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin” so powerful is its openness. It invites us to bring our own experiences and perspectives to it, to see ourselves in its lines and melodies. For me, it’s a song about navigating the gaps between who we are and who we want to be, between the dreams we hold and the realities we face.

As a Reform Jew, as someone who values individuality and modernity, I see this song as a reflection of the messy, multifaceted nature of identity. And that’s why I refuse to let it be reduced to a single narrative.

This isn’t just a song about Judaism—it’s a song about all of us. And for me, it’s a song about love.

Reclaiming the song means embracing its complexity, acknowledging the myriad interpretations it can inspire. It’s about recognizing that art is not a static entity but a living conversation, one that evolves with each listener’s unique perspective. By reclaiming the song, we affirm the richness of human experience, the diversity of our stories, and the beauty of our shared humanity.

Conclusion: The Song as a Reflection of Complex Human Identity and Love

In conclusion, “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin” is more than a song about Judaism or any singular cultural narrative. It’s a profound exploration of identity, history, and the human condition. It challenges us to look beyond the surface, to delve into the complexities of our own identities and the world around us.

The song’s power lies in its ability to resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level, to evoke emotions and reflections that transcend cultural and religious boundaries. It’s a reminder that our identities are not fixed but fluid, shaped by our experiences, dreams, and connections.

Ultimately, “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin” is a celebration of love and the human spirit. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, to heal, and to unite us in our shared journey through life. As we listen to its melodies and ponder its lyrics, we are reminded of the beauty and complexity of being human, of the dreams we hold and the love we seek.