This Town
Clare Bowen & Charles Esten Lyrics
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Until the ground that you walk on
Is where you stand.
This dream, it heals and it haunts me
It's tempted and taught me who I am
This town ain't yours
And this town ain't mine.
Some will burn out.
Some will burn bright.
Some learn to fly.
Some will run for their lives.
In this town.
In this town.
Strangers, we're nothin' but strangers
Putting our hearts in danger
For the song we sing.
I've seen the devil inside me
But I won't let him guide me
Or take my wings
This town ain't yours
And this town ain't mine.
We all come here with a light in our eyes
Some will burn out. (Some will burn out.)
Some will burn bright. (Some will burn bright.)
Some learn to fly.
Some will run for their lives.
In this town
In this town
This town ain't yours. (This town ain't yours.)
And it surely ain't mine. (This town ain't mine.)
We all come here with a light in our eyes
Some will burn out.
Some will burn bright.
Some learn to fly.
Some will run for their lives.
In this town
In this town (This town.)
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
(Ooh this town.)
In this town.
The lyrics to Clare Bowen and Charles Esten's song "This Town" touch on themes of identity, community, and change. The opening lines encourage the listener to hold on until the feeling is so strong that they know where they stand, suggesting that the song is about finding one's place in the world. However, the chorus reminds us that "this town" belongs to no one; it is a place where "strangers," who may be in danger of losing themselves, come to pursue their dreams. The lyrics acknowledge that some people will succeed and some will fail, but that each individual has the potential to "burn bright" and "learn to fly," even in a place that is not truly their own.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of tension between the desire for individuality and the pull of community. The line "we all come here with a light in our eyes" suggests that people are drawn to the town by a common dream or passion, yet the repeated refrain that "this town ain't yours, and this town ain't mine" hints at the transitory nature of human connections. The devil inside the singer represents the temptations and self-doubt that can come with pursuing a dream. However, the line "I won't let him guide me or take my wings" suggests that the singer is strong enough to overcome these obstacles.
Overall, "This Town" is a complex meditation on the nature of identity and community in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. The warm harmonies and country-flavored instrumentation add an intimacy to the song, which builds to a rousing chorus that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or out of place.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold on until the feelin' is so strong
Continue persevering until the feeling becomes extremely intense
Until the ground that you walk on
Until the place where you stand feels like home
Is where you stand.
Is the only place you belong
This dream, it heals and it haunts me
This aspiration both comforts and torments me
It's tempted and taught me who I am
It's influenced and instructed me on my identity
This town ain't yours
You don't own this town
And this town ain't mine.
I don't possess this town
We all come here with a light in our eyes
We all arrive here with a sense of hope and ambition
Some will burn out.
Some will lose their spark.
Some will burn bright.
Some will shine radiantly.
Some learn to fly.
Some will figure out how to soar.
Some will run for their lives.
Some will flee for dear life.
In this town.
Within the confines of this place.
Strangers, we're nothin' but strangers
Despite our proximity to each other, we're mere acquaintances
Putting our hearts in danger
Risking getting emotionally hurt
For the song we sing.
For the passion we pursue
I've seen the devil inside me
I've come to terms with my inner demons
But I won't let him guide me
But I won't allow him to dictate my actions
Or take my wings
Or rob me of my freedom and autonomy
This town ain't yours.
This town does not belong to you.
And it surely ain't mine.
And it definitely isn't mine.
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Vocalization that represents an emotional response
(Ooh this town.)
Vocalization that represents an emotional response
In this town.
Within the confines of this place
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: ANDREW ROLLINS, CORY MAYO, JAIDA DREYER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BorisBerlin
Beautiful song indeed. This is the type of country music even a NY urbanite like me can highly appreciate.
@patrudine2627
Clare and Charles ought to join together to make more music. They are awesome together and have a very unique sound.
@efmafelissaint1811
I feel like this song describe Nashville perfectly not just as a show but as a city.
@dianelinaberry9185
If I could come back as another person I would want to be Clare! What a voice!!!!! Can't get enough of her singing...............
@radarada4036
I don't even watch the show, but I heard this while flipping through channels one day and I was mesmerized. It is hauntingly beautiful, their voices together is perfection <3
@jessicabarrow866
This song is so haunting and amazing at the same time! I love it!
@thestagandthedoe
this is absolutely beautiful, favourite piece of music from Nashville ever, both have amazing voices and the banjo and piano compliment each other perfectly.
@joshhall1437
Love the show an I think this song is my most favorite song the show has churned out an i have seen every show.The bestest!!
@timothybandi1349
Nashville cast songs are the bomb! Claire and Sam the ultimate best ever😍
@batsinthebelfry907
This is my favorite nashville song to date. So amazing thank you for posting it.