The popular Budapest song
Are you interested in Budapest lyrics by George Ezra? Would you like to know what the connection is between the city and the Budapest song?
- • George Ezra’s hit song ‘Budapest’ (released in 2013) was inspired by a backpacking rail trip across Europe when the singer missed his train from Malmö to Hungary’s capital.
- • Today, music fans visiting Budapest explore iconic sights along the Danube River in District V, ruin bars in District VII, and open-air concerts at Budapest Park and Margaret Island.
- • You can reach Budapest’s live music venues and historic ruin pubs using the M1, M2, M3, and M4 metro lines or the 24-hour Tram 4–6 along the Grand Boulevard (single ticket: 450 HUF).
Yes, if you have googled on the Budapest song lyrics or Budapest song you are on the right path to get totally obsessed with the capital of Hungary. If you read everything about it, you watch YouTube videos and also listen to music that has been inspired by Budapest, it is high time for you to stop by for a visit.
There are several ways how you can get inspired by this unique and gorgeous city. Budapest is a mixture of history, fun, beauty and temptations (the Hungarian cuisine is famously tasty).
Budapest lyrics background
The song “Budapest” was released in 2014 as part of the very first studio album, the Wanted on Voyage by the singer and song-writer George Ezra. His first album, Wanted on Voyage contains songs about a backpacking trip he made around Europe.
In addition to its enduring appeal, “Budapest” achieved remarkable chart success upon release — peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, while topping the charts in Austria and New Zealand. It also reached the top ten in more than a dozen other countries, including Germany, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia. As of mid‑2025, the Budapest song has been streamed over 1.43 billion times on Spotify alone, making it George Ezra’s most‑streamed track to date. Its powerful legacy is further underscored by multiple platinum certifications across Europe and beyond, culminating in an 8× Platinum certification in 2025.
If you listen to the song and read the lyrics of “Budapest”, you will realize that the writer was in a sentimental mood and wrote a love song. He is talking about things that he would leave behind for his love. These things include his house, gold piano, acres of land etc. (find the full “Budapest lyrics” at the end of the article)
Did you know?
There are several interpretations of why the title of the song is “Budapest”. By the time it was written, George Ezra had not been to the capital of Hungary yet. As he explained it in an interview with him, he was staying in Sweden and got so drunk while watching the Eurovision final, that he actually missed his train to Budapest. Which is a shame, but no worries, later he did come to Budapest when the song had become a huge success.
The Budapest song music video
The official music video for “Budapest” was released on YouTube on April 21, 2014. The video has a simple but creative style, showing a strange auction with funny and unusual characters. George Ezra only appears for a short time, letting the quirky scenes tell the story instead. This unique approach matched the playful mood of the song and made the video stand out. Over the years, it has gained hundreds of millions of views and become an important part of the song’s success.
THE LYRICS OF BUDAPEST SONG:
“My house in Budapest
My hidden treasure chest
Golden grand piano
My beautiful Castillo
You
You
I’d leave it all
My acres of a land
I have achieved
It may be hard for you to
Stop and believe
But for you
You
I’d Leave it all
Give me one good reason
Why I should never make a change
And baby if you hold me
Then all of this will go away
The list goes on
If you just say the words
I’ll up and run
Oh, to you
You
I’d leave it all
Give me one good reason
Why I should never make a change
And baby if you hold me
Then all of this will go away
Give me one good reason
Why I should never make a change
Baby if you hold me
Then all of this will go away
My friends and family
They, don’t understand
They fear they’d lose so much
If you take my hand
But, for you
You
I’d lose it all
Why I should never make a change
And baby if you hold me
Then all of this will go away
Give me one good reason
Why I should never make a change
Baby if you hold me
Then all of this will go away
My house in Budapest
My hidden treasure chest
Golden grand piano
My beautiful castillo
You
You
I’d leave it all.”
Summary
You would have never guessed what the refrain was. Am I right?. I’d leave it all…
It is a super lovely song that you will want to listen to again and again. The melody of the song will stuck in your head and you will go on humming all they long. Don’t forget to come to Budapest as well to make the song even more memorable.
Planning more of your trip? Be sure to check out our guides to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Budapest, the real story behind the Grand Budapest Hotel, and Budapest’s top concert and cultural venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sings the song Budapest?
The song 'Budapest' is sung by the English singer-songwriter George Ezra. It was the lead single from his debut studio album, 'Wanted on Voyage' (2014).
Did George Ezra ever go to Budapest?
When he wrote the song, no. He planned to visit the city during a 2013 backpacking trip across Europe but missed his train. He visited Budapest years later while touring.
What is the meaning behind the song Budapest?
The song is a love song where the narrator lists various valuable, luxurious possessions—like a golden grand piano or a hidden treasure chest—that he would willingly give up for someone he loves.
