Downtown
Jane McDonald Lyrics


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When you′re alone
And life is making you lonely,
You can always go downtown
When you've got worries,
All the noise and the hurry
Seems to help, I know, downtown

Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty
How can you lose?

The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go
Downtown, things′ll be great when you're
Downtown, no finer place for sure,
Downtown, everything's waiting for you
(Downtown)

Don′t hang around
And let your problems surround you
There are movie shows downtown
Maybe you know
Some little places to go to
Where they never close downtown

Just listen to the rhythm of a gentle bossanova
You′ll be dancing with 'em too before the night is over
Happy again

The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go
Downtown where all the lights are bright,
Downtown, waiting for you tonight,
Downtown, you′re gonna be alright now
(Downtown, downtown)

Downtown
(Downtown)

And you may find somebody kind to help and understand you,
Someone who is just like you and needs a gentle hand to
Guide them along

So, maybe I'll see you there
We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares and go
Downtown, things′ll be great when you're
Downtown, don′t wait a minute more,
Downtown, everything's waiting for you
Downtown, things'll be great when you′re
Downtown, don′t wait a minute more,
Downtown, everything's waiting for you




Downtown (downtown) downtown (downtown)
Downtown (downtown) downtown (downtown)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jane McDonald's song "Downtown" evoke a sense of escapism and finding solace in the bustling city environment. The opening lines suggest that when someone is feeling lonely and overwhelmed by life, they have the option to go downtown as a remedy. The fast-paced nature of the city, with its noise and rush, seems to provide some relief.


The next verse highlights the enchantment of the cityscape. By listening to the music created by the traffic and walking along the streets adorned with vibrant neon signs, the mundane worries of life can be forgotten. There is a suggestion that the lights of downtown are brighter than anywhere else, providing a feeling of excitement and a temporary escape from reality.


The chorus emphasizes the positive aspects of downtown, stating that everything is waiting for you there. Troubles can be left behind, and a sense of freedom and joy can be found in this vibrant city setting. The repetition of the word "Downtown" reinforces the idea that this place is where happiness and contentment can be located.


The following verse encourages one not to linger in their problems and instead venture downtown. The lyrics suggest that there are entertainment options such as movie shows available, and there are small, never-closing venues to visit, emphasizing the 24-hour nature of the city. The mention of dancing to a gentle bossanova rhythm portrays a carefree enjoyment of life, encouraging the listener to join in and be happy once more.


The closing lines hint at the possibility of finding understanding and compassion in downtown. It suggests that going downtown might lead to encounters with like-minded individuals who require support and a helping hand. The final chorus reinforces the idea that going downtown can bring relief from troubles and that everything is waiting, urging the listener not to hesitate but to dive into this transformative experience. The repeated use of the word "Downtown" in the final lines creates a sense of affirmation and conviction in the power of this place.


Line by Line Meaning

When you′re alone
When you are feeling lonely and isolated


And life is making you lonely,
And when life starts to feel overwhelming and brings you down


You can always go downtown
You can find solace and relief by going downtown


When you've got worries,
When you have concerns and anxieties


All the noise and the hurry
The bustling and fast-paced atmosphere


Seems to help, I know, downtown
Appears to provide assistance and comfort, I'm certain, downtown


Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Simply pay attention to the sounds of the city traffic


Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty
Stay on the sidewalk where the attractive neon signs catch your eye


How can you lose?
How can you go wrong?


The lights are much brighter there
The lights shine much brighter in that place


You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go
You can let go of your worries and concerns and go


Downtown, things′ll be great when you're
Downtown, everything will be wonderful when you are


Downtown, no finer place for sure,
Downtown, there is no better place, without a doubt


Downtown, everything's waiting for you
Downtown, everything is ready and waiting for you


Don′t hang around
Don't stay in one place for too long


And let your problems surround you
And allow your problems to encircle and overwhelm you


There are movie shows downtown
There are movies being shown downtown


Maybe you know
Perhaps you are aware


Some little places to go to
Some small locations to visit


Where they never close downtown
Where they never close their doors downtown


Just listen to the rhythm of a gentle bossanova
Simply listen to the soothing rhythm of bossanova music


You'll be dancing with 'em too before the night is over
You will also be dancing with them before the night ends


Happy again
Feeling joyful once more


And you may find somebody kind to help and understand you,
And you might come across someone kind who can assist and empathize with you


Someone who is just like you and needs a gentle hand to
Somebody who is similar to you and requires a gentle hand to


Guide them along
Help them navigate through their own journey


So, maybe I'll see you there
Therefore, perhaps I will see you in that place


We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares and go
We can let go of all our worries and concerns and go


Downtown, things′ll be great when you're
Downtown, everything will be wonderful when you are


Downtown, don′t wait a minute more,
Downtown, do not wait a single minute longer


Downtown, everything's waiting for you
Downtown, everything is ready and waiting for you


Downtown, where all the lights are bright,
Downtown, where all the lights shine brightly


Downtown, waiting for you tonight,
Downtown, eagerly awaiting your arrival tonight


Downtown, you're gonna be alright now
Downtown, you are going to be okay now


Downtown
Downtown




Writer(s): Tony Hatch, Bill Drummond, James Cauty

Contributed by Mateo P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Tina Custance


on The Hand That Leads Me

Thinking. Of my lovely.mum always on my mind she is the one. That leads me xx

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