Lonely Financial Zone
Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers (LocoStavos) Lyrics


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In the lonely financial zone
By the sea
I have walked under moon and stars.
Skyscrapers shone in their dark majesty.
In this otherwordly land of ours.

I've walked by the buildin's, I've walked by the malls,
I've walked by the skyscrapers, lonely and dark.

In the lonely financial zone
By the sea
I have walked under moon and stars.

In the lonely financial zone
By the sea
I have walked on cold winter nights.
I've stood in awe, so silently
Under the buzzing electric light.

Boats in the harbor, gulls on the pier,
Ships and trucks and sailors in the bars.

In the lonely financial zone




By the sea
I've often walked under moon and stars.

Overall Meaning

The song "Lonely Financial Zone" by Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers can be interpreted in a few different ways, as it seems to contain different layers of meaning. On the surface, the lyrics describe the experience of walking through a financial district by the sea, likely in some major city. The singer observes the skyscrapers and malls, but also the boats and sailors in the harbor, creating a sense of contrast between the business world and the more nautical, free-spirited world of the sea. The "lonely" aspect of the financial zone comes through in the repetition of the phrase, as if to emphasize the feeling of isolation that can come with working or living in such a place, even amidst the buzz of activity.


However, there is also a sense of wonder and appreciation in the lyrics, as the singer describes walking under the moon and stars and standing "in awe, so silently." This creates a feeling of beauty and appreciation for the strange mix of sights and experiences in the financial zone, as if the singer is finding something unexpectedly poetic in the midst of the hustle and bustle. This interpretation is supported by the use of phrases like "otherworldly land of ours," which suggests that the singer sees this financial zone as something out of the ordinary, possibly even supernatural or surreal.


Overall, "Lonely Financial Zone" is a complex and thought-provoking song that captures the contradictions and contrasts of urban life. It is a reminder that even in the midst of seemingly cold, impersonal spaces, there is always the potential for human connection, wonder, and beauty.


Line by Line Meaning

In the lonely financial zone
Referring to a desolate area of a city that is primarily focused on commerce and finance.


By the sea
Located on the coast of a body of water.


I have walked under moon and stars.
Walked around at night with the stars and moon shining down on m


Skyscrapers shone in their dark majesty.
The tall buildings stood out in the darkness and looked impressive.


In this otherworldly land of ours.
The environment felt so different from reality and was out of place.


I've walked by the buildin's, I've walked by the malls,
Explored the area by walking around buildings and shopping centers.


I've walked by the skyscrapers, lonely and dark.
Passed by the tall buildings that looked empty and abandoned.


I have walked on cold winter nights.
Went for a walk during a chilly night.


I've stood in awe, so silently
Was speechless by the beauty of the environment and stood still in admiration.


Under the buzzing electric light.
Under the illumination of bright electric lights that gave a lively atmosphere.


Boats in the harbor, gulls on the pier,
Observed boats in the dock and seagulls resting nearby.


Ships and trucks and sailors in the bars.
Noticed ships and trucks passing through and sailors hanging out at local bars.


I've often walked under moon and stars.
Frequently went for a stroll at night to enjoy the scenic surroundings.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Bob Green

I haven't heard this for blummen years, I still love it!

J. Greaney

for what kind of years? Even 11 years later it needs to be asked.

Bob Green

@J. Greaney 10 years ago I hadn't heard it for at least 15 years, now I listen to it regularly.

B M

Exquisite melody

edmund184

this is a really great song, his best after Pablo Picasso.

fido969

"Is it New York, is it Boston, is it San Francisco?" Boston, I'm pretty sure. Richman's from Boston, and this describes the Boston Financial zone pretty well when I lived there in the late '70s and early '80s. I always thought he wrote it about that part of Boston.

J. Kris

"Jojo's first job was as a delivery boy in Boston's financial zone so it stands to reason," he added helpfully, nine years later.

fido969

interesting, I did bank pickups in Boston in the late 70s, 80s, and I remember how desolate the finacial zone was after 5-6 o'clock.

philthepowerfan

Timeless

Joe Harvard

The Financial Zone is easy to locate, lying under the Federal Bldg clock in downtown Boston, right across the street from the docks and the Harbor & NE Aquarium. Corner of Broad and State is a good start point to get a sense of it. Take the blue or orange lines to State St. & ask which way is the ocean. It was more desolate there when jonathan wrote, especially after business hours

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