Downtown
Andre Papanicolaou Lyrics
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I gotta take it slow; make sure it’s mine
I write down what I’m good at, lest I forget it
Talk to professionals, hope they don’t read it
I’m on my way
I’m on my way
My way down
Downtown
Like those you can dream up
Just make sure you forget ‘em
‘Cause they ain’t givin’ up
They’ll hunt you and chase you
Plague and torment you
Start running or fighting
And maybe they’ll wake you
I’m on my way
I’m on my way
My way down
Downtown
So I’ll try to slow it down
And save my breath for a while
Not that much road to go
Just about a quarter mile
And I’m picking up the trash
For the last fucking time
And head on down the road
Time to toe the line
I’m on my way
I’m on my way
My way down
Downtown""
The lyrics of Andre Papanicolaou's song "Downtown" convey a sense of determination and resilience. The singer is engaging in a repetitive task of picking up trash, taking it slowly to ensure their ownership of it. This action can be interpreted metaphorically, representing the process of taking control of one's own life and responsibilities. The act of picking up trash could symbolize the singer's willingness to confront and clean up any negative or unwanted elements in their life. By writing down what they are good at, they are acknowledging and valuing their strengths, making sure not to forget them.
The singer then mentions talking to professionals, hoping they don't read what has been written down. This suggests a vulnerability and fear of being judged or misunderstood. It may symbolize seeking guidance or advice from others, but being cautious about revealing too much of their inner thoughts and vulnerabilities.
The chorus expresses a recognition of the fears that can haunt us in life, but also emphasizes the importance of forgetting or overcoming them. The singer acknowledges that these fears can persistently chase and torment us, but suggests the possibility of escape through running or fighting, and ultimately finding awakening or liberation.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on slowing down and conserving their energy, recognizing the limited distance left to travel. They make the decision to pick up the trash for the last time, signifying a determination to leave behind any burdens or negative influences. The mention of toeing the line implies a sense of commitment and readiness to face whatever challenges lie ahead, as they make their way down to the downtown of their own journey.
Overall, "Downtown" presents a message of resilience, self-reflection, and determination to overcome obstacles in order to reach personal growth and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
I’m picking up trash a fistful at a time
I am diligently addressing my problems one by one
I gotta take it slow; make sure it’s mine
I need to be cautious and thorough in my approach to ensure I fully understand and own my actions
I write down what I’m good at, lest I forget it
I document my strengths and abilities to avoid forgetting them
Talk to professionals, hope they don’t read it
I seek advice from experts, hoping they won't judge my vulnerabilities
Ain’t no fears in life
Like those you can dream up
There are no fears as potent as the ones we conjure in our imagination
Just make sure you forget ‘em
‘Cause they ain’t givin’ up
However, it is crucial to let go of those fears, as they will persistently haunt us
They’ll hunt you and chase you
Plague and torment you
These fears will relentlessly pursue and distress you
Start running or fighting
And maybe they’ll wake you
Only through actively confronting or combating these fears might you be awakened to their true nature
So I’ll try to slow it down
And save my breath for a while
Hence, I will attempt to calm myself, conserving my energy for a brief respite
Not that much road to go
Just about a quarter mile
I don't have much further to travel, just a short distance of approximately one-fourth of a mile
And I’m picking up the trash
For the last fucking time
I am finally dealing with the remaining baggage once and for all
And head on down the road
Time to toe the line
After addressing my issues, it's time to move forward and adhere to a set path
I’m on my way
I’m on my way
My way down
Downtown
I am steadily progressing and descending towards the center of activity and opportunity
Lyrics © Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN)
Written by: Andre Papanicolaou
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind