The Streets Where I Belong
Annie - Topic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And for a moment I'm transported to where I'm from
Teenage lovers, when we were young
All of the parties under the midnight sun
That's when I met the love of my life
He was a DJ and we danced all through the night
Tell me, tell me, why did you go?
I can still hear our songs on the radio
Whatever happened to us all?
Wherever I go, I'll recall
All those summer days
In a town down by the bay
And when you close your eyes, pretend
And then you're back there once again
As the sun begins to fade
And the band begins to play
I let the music take me home
To the streets where I belong
Johnny, Johnny, playing guitar
Travel the world, he always fell for the short-haired girls
Left a loner, came back a star
We used to see him playing live at the local bars
The saddest story was the woman next door
A beauty queen that met her end on a motel floor
She used to tell me, "Annie, don't stay
Go sing your songs, or if not you'll fade away"
Whatever happened to them all?
Wherever I go I'll recall
All those friends we made
In a town down by the bay
And when you close your eyes, pretend
And then you're back there once again
As the sound begins to fade
And the band begins to play
I let the music take me home
To the streets where I belong
Take it away, Johnny
Annie, Annie
Annie, Annie
Annie, Annie
In the song “The Streets Where I Belong” by Topic featuring Annie, the lyrics evoke a poignant sense of nostalgia, focusing on the cherished memories of youth and the bittersweet passage of time. The opening lines introduce a reflective tone as the singer is transported back to their youthful days while listening to a song that holds special significance. By invoking the imagery of teenage lovers and parties under the midnight sun, the singer paints a vivid picture of a carefree past, where music and dancing symbolized freedom and joy. The mention of meeting "the love of my life" who was a DJ adds a layer of intimacy, suggesting that music not only forms the backdrop of their memories but also plays a crucial role in their personal narrative. The refrain asking, “Tell me, tell me, why did you go?” hints at loss—perhaps a lost love or the departure of close friends—underscoring the yearning for a time that can never be recaptured.
As the song continues, it transitions from personal reminiscence to a broader reflection on change and the passage of time. The repeated question, “Whatever happened to us all?” heightens the sense of longing and introspection, suggesting a collective experience that resonates deeply with anyone who has left their hometown. The imagery of “summer days in a town down by the bay” evokes a sense of place that is rich with memories yet tinged with melancholy. The lyrical invitation to “close your eyes” and pretend transports both the singer and the listener into this idyllic past, presenting a powerful mechanism through which one can escape the inevitabilities of life. The refrain of “I let the music take me home” further encapsulates this desire to return to a simpler time, illustrating how music not only serves as a powerful reminder of those vibrant days but also as a vehicle for reconnecting with one’s roots and identity.
The introduction of characters like Johnny, a friend who achieves success as a traveling musician, adds a layer of communal storytelling to the song. His journey—from being a "loner" to becoming a "star"—reflects the aspirations and transformations that often accompany youth. The detail of Johnny falling for "short-haired girls" brings a sense of charm and relatability, as it speaks to the innocent attractions and infatuations typical during one's formative years. Moreover, the line about seeing him play at local bars captures the spirit of grassroots music culture, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in shaping personal narratives and community ties. These anecdotes contribute to a rich tapestry of interconnected lives, reflecting the way friendships evolve and how the paths of individuals can diverge from a shared starting point.
Additionally, the mention of the "saddest story" about the beauty queen who met a tragic fate serves as a sobering reminder of the shadows that often accompany bright memories. This stark contrast between joy and sorrow encapsulates the complexities of life, suggesting that while music and memories can offer solace, they also exist alongside harsh realities. The advice from the beauty queen to "go sing your songs" underscores a recurring theme of pursuing dreams and creative expression, implying that one’s true essence is tied to sharing their voice with the world. The closing lines, with repeated calls to "Annie," create an echoing sense of longing and reinforcement, grounding the narrative in both personal and collective experience. Ultimately, the song reflects the universal struggle of reconciling the past with the present, the idea that despite the passage of time, music remains a constant thread that can transport us back to "the streets where I belong."
Line by Line Meaning
Annie, Annie, they're playing your song
Annie, dear, your melody fills the air, awakening memories.
And for a moment I'm transported to where I'm from
Briefly, I am whisked back to my origins, to the places that shaped me.
Teenage lovers, when we were young
We were once naive lovers, full of youthful innocence and dreams.
All of the parties under the midnight sun
We celebrated vibrant nights filled with joy and youthfulness, basking in the glow of endless summer nights.
That's when I met the love of my life
It was during this time of carefree enjoyment that I encountered my soulmate.
He was a DJ and we danced all through the night
He spun records, creating soundtracks for our nights of dancing and laughter until dawn.
Tell me, tell me, why did you go?
Can you explain the reasons for your departure and the void it left?
I can still hear our songs on the radio
The music that once accompanied our love story continues to echo in my mind.
Whatever happened to us all?
What has become of our shared memories and friendships?
Wherever I go, I'll recall
No matter the distance, the past stays with me, woven into my experiences.
All those summer days
I remember the blissful, sun-soaked days of our youth.
In a town down by the bay
This nostalgia is rooted in our small coastal town, rich in memories.
And when you close your eyes, pretend
If you visualize and imagine, you can escape to that cherished time.
And then you're back there once again
In your mind’s eye, you can vividly return to those moments, reliving them.
As the sun begins to fade
As daylight dims, signaling the transition into night and reflection.
And the band begins to play
The music starts, setting the stage for memories to surface.
I let the music take me home
I surrender myself to the melodies that guide me back to my roots.
To the streets where I belong
The tunes lead me back to the familiar places that represent my true self.
Johnny, Johnny, playing guitar
Our friend Johnny, skillfully strumming his guitar, brings memories of our youth.
Travel the world, he always fell for the short-haired girls
He explored far and wide, often enchanted by girls with short hair.
Left a loner, came back a star
He departed in solitude, only to return as a celebrated musician.
We used to see him playing live at the local bars
We watched him perform in intimate settings, when he was still on his journey.
The saddest story was the woman next door
The most heartbreaking tale involves the woman who lived nearby.
A beauty queen that met her end on a motel floor
This once-celebrated figure tragically lost her life in a place of transience.
She used to tell me, 'Annie, don't stay'
She warned me, urging me to seek my dreams rather than settle.
Go sing your songs, or if not you'll fade away
Pursue your passion for music, lest you lose your essence and purpose.
Whatever happened to them all?
What has transpired with all those we once knew?
Wherever I go I'll recall
No matter where life leads, I will always remember our connections.
All those friends we made
Recollections of friendships formed during those spirited times continue to linger.
In a town down by the bay
Those relationships blossomed in our quaint, seaside hometown.
And when you close your eyes, pretend
Allow your imagination to transport you back to those cherished days.
And then you're back there once again
You can effortlessly return to those experiences in your mind.
As the sound begins to fade
As the music softens, memories may also start to blur.
And the band begins to play
Yet again, the live music stirs the thoughts of the past.
I let the music take me home
I submit to the rhythms that guide me to my nostalgic sanctuary.
To the streets where I belong
These melodies lead me back to the quintessential places of my identity.
Take it away, Johnny
Now, I invite Johnny to share his music, to fill the air with his art.
Annie, Annie
Echoing your name, a reminder of our shared past and connection.
Annie, Annie
Once more, I call out your name, evoking the bonds we once treasured.
Annie, Annie
Reiterating your name, celebrating our enduring memories.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Anne Lila Berge Strand, Jonas Petterson, Stefan Storm
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind