Downtown
Clemens Rumpf and David A. Tobin Lyrics

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We were green, we were wild
We were cheap shades chasin' down pretty smiles
We were loud, we were fast
We were gettin' by on the summer job cash
Came alive in the streetlight glow
Bettin' all on ready, set, go

We were downtown kids, rebels in a small town

Hands up, windows down
Rock 'n roll show
We lit up the nights, burned down them roads
Breakin' every curfew, breakin' every rule
Trying to find some trouble we could get into
We were downtown kids, rebels in a small town
Hands up, windows down

We were up, up all night
Left and right, dodgin' them blue lights
Ridin' round, everybody just lookin' for a party

We were downtown kids, rebels in a small town
Hands up, windows down
Rock 'n roll show
We lit up the nights, burned down them roads
Breakin' every curfew, breakin' every rule
Trying to find some trouble we could get into
We were downtown kids, rebels in a small town
Hands up, windows down

Came alive in the street glow
Bettin' all on ready, set, go
We were downtown kids
We were downtown kids

We were downtown kids (downtown kids)
Rebels in a small town
Hands up, windows down
Rock 'n roll show (rock n' roll show)
We lit up the nights, burned down them roads
Breakin' every curfew, breakin' every rule
Trying to find some trouble we could get into
We were downtown kids, rebels in a small town
Hands up, windows down

We were downtown kids
(Downtown kids)

We were downtown kids
(Downtown kids)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Downtown" by Clemens Rumpf and David A. Tobin reminisce about a time in the past when the singer and their friends were young and carefree. In their small town, they were rebellious and adventurous, seeking excitement and trouble. The song portrays a sense of freedom and liveliness that comes with being young and exploring the world around them.

The lyrics describe the mindset of these "downtown kids," who were wild and fearless. They lived for the moment, chasing after pretty smiles and cheap thrills. They didn't conform to societal norms, often breaking curfews and rules, as they sought out trouble to get into. The streets became their playground, and they came alive in the glow of the streetlights.

Line by Line Meaning

We were green, we were wild
We were young and inexperienced, full of energy and enthusiasm

We were cheap shades chasin' down pretty smiles
We were trying to impress others, going after attractive and happy people

We were loud, we were fast
We were energetic and impulsive

We were gettin' by on the summer job cash
We were surviving financially with the money earned from our summer jobs

Came alive in the streetlight glow
We felt alive and vibrant when surrounded by the glow of streetlights

Bettin' all on ready, set, go
We were taking risks, throwing caution to the wind and living in the moment

We were downtown kids, rebels in a small town
We were young rebels who stood out in our small town, embracing the urban lifestyle

Hands up, windows down
We were carefree and celebrating life, raising our hands and opening car windows

Rock 'n roll show
We were the epitome of a lively and exciting rock 'n roll performance

We lit up the nights, burned down them roads
We brought excitement and energy to the nights, traveling and exploring with passion

Breakin' every curfew, breakin' every rule
We were rebellious and constantly defying curfews and rules

Trying to find some trouble we could get into
We were actively seeking mischievous or exciting situations to involve ourselves in

We were up, up all night
We were awake, active, and enjoying ourselves throughout the entire night

Left and right, dodgin' them blue lights
We were avoiding encounters with law enforcement, quickly changing direction to evade them

Ridin' round, everybody just lookin' for a party
We were cruising around, joined by others, all searching for a lively gathering or event

Came alive in the street glow
We felt invigorated and alive amidst the illumination of the streets

We were downtown kids
We were youngsters who belonged to the urban downtown culture

Rebels in a small town
We were defiant and unconventional within our small town environment