London Bridge
David Gates/Bread Lyrics


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I know the times the times are hard to bear
It's hard to find someone to really care
But before I went down and out
Here's what I used to think about, think about

London bridge is always fallin' down,
But there it stood within the heart of town
Reminding everyone of life behind and life to come

The changes taking place are everywhere
The centuries past have nothing to compare
Where they stand, where they trip and fall
Watch the writing on the wall, on the wall

London bridge is fallin' down at last,
And so another memory of the past
Has fell beneath the blade, but soon the dead may be repaid

I know things just can't evolve for all eternity
The thoughts will leave, will never die, and now so you can see

London bridge is finally fallin' down,
It packed it up and shipped it outta town
And though the horror's gone, the memory will linger on
London bridge is finally fallin' down,
It used to stand within the heart of town




Reminding everyone of life behind and life to come
London bridge is finally fallin' down

Overall Meaning

The song London Bridge by David Gates/Bread is a reflection on the changes that are taking place in the world and the inevitable passing of time. The lyrics suggest that while things may seem difficult and hard to bear, there is always the memory of what has come before and what is yet to come. The idea that London Bridge is always falling down is used as a metaphor for the constant change that is happening in the world. The bridge, which is an iconic symbol of the city, serves as a reminder of the past and what has been lost, but also of what is yet to come.


The lyrics acknowledge that the changes taking place in the world are profound and far-reaching, and that they have affected every aspect of life. From the centuries past to the present day, the world has undergone a transformation that is unparalleled in its scope and magnitude. But even as things change, there is a sense that the past is always with us, and that we should never forget where we've come from.


Throughout the song, the metaphor of London Bridge falling down is used to suggest that nothing lasts forever, but that memories and experiences endure. The lyrics reveal a deep sense of nostalgia and a longing for what has been lost, but they also suggest that life goes on and that there is always hope for the future.


Line by Line Meaning

I know the times the times are hard to bear
I am aware of how difficult life is right now


It's hard to find someone to really care
It's challenging to find genuine compassion from others


But before I went down and out
However, before I lost hope completely


Here's what I used to think about, think about
This is what I used to reflect on frequently


London bridge is always fallin' down,
The iconic London Bridge is continually deteriorating


But there it stood within the heart of town
Yet it has always been a central feature of the city


Reminding everyone of life behind and life to come
Serving as a reminder of the past and present, and what the future may hold


The changes taking place are everywhere
There are transformations happening everywhere


The centuries past have nothing to compare
These changes are unparalleled to anything seen in history


Where they stand, where they trip and fall
Where people take their stand, and where they may fail


Watch the writing on the wall, on the wall
Pay attention to the signs and clues around you


London bridge is fallin' down at last,
Finally, London Bridge is collapsing


And so another memory of the past
Another piece of history is disappearing


Has fell beneath the blade, but soon the dead may be repaid
Has been destroyed, but may be rebuilt in the future


I know things just can't evolve for all eternity
I understand that change cannot go on forever


The thoughts will leave, will never die, and now so you can see
But certain ideas will never disappear, as you can now see


London bridge is finally fallin' down,
At long last, London Bridge is collapsing


It packed it up and shipped it outta town
The bridge has been dismantled and taken away


And though the horror's gone, the memory will linger on
Even though the awfulness is over, the remembrance remains


London bridge is finally fallin' down,
London Bridge is still collapsing


It used to stand within the heart of town
Once, this bridge was a quintessential part of the city


Reminding everyone of life behind and life to come
Jogging people's memories of the past and future




Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: DAVID GATES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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