Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters
Mandy Moore · Other Songs - Mandy Moore
I thought I knew
But now I know that rose trees never grow in New York city
Until you've seen these trash can dreams come true
You stand at the edge while people run you through
And I thank the Lord there's people out there like you
I thank the Lord there's people out there like you, mm
While Mona Lisas and mad hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say "good morning" to the night
For unless they see the sky but they can't and that is why
They know not if it's dark out side or light
This Broadway's got, its got a lot of songs to sing
If I knew the tunes I might join in, oh and
I go my way alone, grow my own
My own seeds shall be sown in New York city
Subway's no way for a good man to go down
Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown
And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
I thank the Lord for the people I have found, oh
While Mona Lisas and mad hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say "good morning" to the night
For unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why
They know not if it's dark out side or light
And now I know "Spanish harlem" are not just pretty words to say, hmm
I thought I knew
But now I know that rose trees never grow in New York city
Until you've seen these trash can dreams come true and
You stand at the edge while people run you through
And I thank the Lord there's people out there like you, yeah
I thank the Lord there's people out there like you, oh
While Mona Lisas and mad hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say "good morning" to the night
Well unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light
They know not if it's dark outside or light
Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters
Mandy Moore's "Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters" stands as a defining track from her early career, blending pop sensibilities with a distinct indie-folk aesthetic that characterized her debut era. Released alongside her breakthrough success, the song showcases Moore's signature vocal delivery and songwriting ability, capturing the introspective mood of her first major releases. The track reflects the transitional period in her discography where she moved from pure pop to a more textured, guitar-driven sound that would later define her mature work. As a standalone recording, it highlights her talent for crafting melodies that resonate with personal storytelling, establishing her reputation as a versatile artist capable of navigating various musical landscapes without relying on formulaic structures.