Downtown Girls
American Aquarium Lyrics


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Downtown girls look pretty in the bar lights
Downtown girls look pretty after hours
They look like trouble and they taste like gin
But they smell like dogwood flowers

Downtown girls man they're all the same at heart
They're just going through the motions
They'll call you handsome if you buy them a drink
They're as empty as a valentine's day without the roses

Downtown girls are gonna hurt you
They only care about themselves
Downtown girls are gonna desert you
And leave you feeling sorry for yourself

A downtown girl's like a card game
She can bluff a mean twenty-one
I'd sneak her in to all my favorite bars
She can lie to your face through a smile
I should have seen it coming

Downtown girls are gonna hurt you
They only care about themselves
Downtown girls are gonna desert you
And leave you feeling sorry for yourself

A downtown girl man she could have been the one
If it was only me she'd chosen
She's got these eyes that can turn stars to stone
The only problem is she knows it

Downtown girls are gonna hurt you
They only care about themselves
Downtown girls are gonna desert you
And leave you feeling sorry for yourself

Downtown girls are gonna hurt you
They only care about themselves
Downtown girls are gonna desert you
And leave you feeling sorry for yourself





Aw yeah, well.

Overall Meaning

The song "Downtown Girls" by American Aquarium is about the experience of dating and being involved with women who frequent the downtown bar scene. The lyrics describe these women as alluring and dangerous, with a sense of mystery and trouble that draws men in. However, the song also critiques these women for being fake and empty, only interested in their own pleasure and leaving men feeling hurt and abandoned.


The first verse sets the scene, describing how these women look and feel in the context of the bar scene. The second verse reveals a deeper insight into their true nature, suggesting that they are simply going through the motions of seduction and incapable of genuine emotion or connection. The chorus reiterates the message that getting involved with downtown girls is a risky endeavor, one that is likely to leave the person feeling hurt and alone.


The final verse acknowledges the potential for genuine connection, but also points out that the ego and self-interest of these women make it unlikely that they will ever truly commit or settle down with anyone. Overall, the song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of engaging with people who only care about themselves, and the price one might pay for getting caught up in the allure of the downtown bar scene.


Line by Line Meaning

Downtown girls look pretty in the bar lights
The atmosphere in a bar might make someone attractive, but it doesn't guarantee genuine beauty.


Downtown girls look pretty after hours
The darkness of the night can be alluring, but it can also conceal what's behind the surface.


They look like trouble and they taste like gin
They seem risky and exciting, but heavy drinking can lead to problems.


But they smell like dogwood flowers
While there may be some danger or vice there, the person might still have a sweet and innocent side to them.


Downtown girls man they're all the same at heart
Despite external differences, they have similar inner motives and attitudes.


They're just going through the motions
They might be going out for social or material reasons, rather than genuine interest or attraction.


They'll call you handsome if you buy them a drink
They might give false flattery or affection to get something they want.


They're as empty as a valentine's day without the roses
Hollow and meaningless, like an event without the traditional symbols of love and romance.


Downtown girls are gonna hurt you
They have the potential to cause emotional harm or pain.


They only care about themselves
Their own needs and desires matter more than anyone else's, including yours.


Downtown girls are gonna desert you
They might abandon or betray you when it's convenient for them or if they find someone better.


And leave you feeling sorry for yourself
Their actions could lead to self-pity or regret.


A downtown girl's like a card game
She can have a mysterious and intriguing presence, but also be manipulative and deceptive like a game of chance.


She can bluff a mean twenty-one
She can be convincing and skilled at hiding her real intentions or feelings.


I'd sneak her in to all my favorite bars
They can be exciting and illicit, but also not someone you'd want to introduce to the rest of your life.


She can lie to your face through a smile
They can be duplicitous and hide their true nature or intentions behind a friendly face.


I should have seen it coming
The signs of deceit or intentions were likely there, but were ignored or rationalized.


A downtown girl man she could have been the one
Despite the negative aspects, they can still have qualities that make them attractive or seem like a potential partner.


If it was only me she'd chosen
If they had only acted differently towards the singer, they could have had a meaningful relationship.


She's got these eyes that can turn stars to stone
Their perceived beauty can be so powerful it can even make something bright and radiant seem dull and lifeless.


The only problem is she knows it
They are aware of their beauty and power, and may use it to manipulate or deceive others.


Aw yeah, well.
This seems to be an interjection or exclamation to end on a casual note.




Contributed by Stella K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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