The "vagabond shoes" represent the restless desire to stop wandering and finally plant roots where it matters.
Robert De Niro, the film's lead, actually disliked the original version of the song and asked Kander and Ebb to rewrite it. They were insulted at first, but went back to the piano and wrote the version we all know today in a fit of pique—creating one of the most famous songs in history! Liza Minelli - New York, New York Lyrics
The lyrics emphasize that New York is a proving ground. Success there serves as a universal seal of excellence. The "vagabond shoes" represent the restless desire to
"If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere / It's up to you, New York, New York." Key Themes the film's lead