This Town
Neil Young & The Echos Lyrics
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I'm asleep when I' walkin' around
This town
This town
Some people think that it's not OK
To sleep around and kiss the hours away
This town
The lyrics of "This Town" by Neil Young & Crazy Horse seem to speak about the idea of being alive and awake in the present moment. The first two lines suggest that being physically awake does not mean that one is mentally present, whereas even when one is lying down and seemingly engulfed in the thoughts, the mind is actually lively and bright. The song seems to describe a town where people are perhaps sleeping through their lives and not truly engaging with the world around them. Neil Young draws a comparison between the people in this town who live a mundane life and the idea of being asleep, while also pointing out that just because someone might be living differently from the norm and taking time for themselves, it is not something to be judged.
The lyrics seem to be a critique of the lack of freedom and autonomy that can be found in small, close-minded towns. The message is that we should not get caught up in the mundaneness of everyday life and appreciate the value of freedom to sleep around and be unburdened by societal norms. It is telling us that it is okay to be different and think differently from others, to take risks and to live life in the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not asleep when I'm lyin' down
I am conscious and aware when I am lying on the bed and sleeping.
I'm asleep when I' walkin' around
I am not really paying attention to my surroundings while walking and can be considered sleepwalking.
This town
The current place where I am living and experiencing these feelings.
Some people think that it's not OK
There are some individuals who believe that it is not acceptable to indulge in acts of passion and intimacy to pass time.
To sleep around and kiss the hours away
To engage in sexual activities and spend time in a pleasurable way with no specific goals or plans to achieve anything.
This town
The location where these people hold their opinions on how others should conduct their lives.
It's OK
Despite what others might think, it is acceptable and even desirable for people to enjoy their lives in their own way without fear of judgment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Scott Brown, Ricky Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joelle Ferreira
Beautiful images.
The Long and Peacefully Road
among the waves
and the rocks powerfully standing holding
our sphere echos on Jupiter 'Saturn's waltz
©️JÉAPF“2020
::
Long Life Neil always Young as musicians usually stay 😉
FlemsePrivat G
One of his best songs from a great album, Broken Arrow - weirdly underrated but pretty confident it'll stand tall over time. A key song played - pre-album release - at the best concert I have ever witnessed, Neil with the Horse at Roskilde Festival in Denmark in late June, 1996. They. Were. Smoking.
Spooked Horse
That whole show is available, here on YT. Great footage, great set. You were very lucky to be there.
Richard W. Tate
Yeah, I love that album. Very raw and rocking, one of my favorite NY/CH albums. Underrated for sure!
Steven Robins
@gugl hupf I believe the late David Briggs would agree with you. Saw them warm up at OPL before going in to record. "Baby, what you want me to do?" Rock til you drop!
gugl hupf
one of his/their best albums imo. absolutely underrated/overlooked.
AnNe LaNdOn
NEIL you are almost too good to be true - a truely original artist who show so much passion, love and great commitment thru your music. Your music has struck a core in me - so soulful, inspirational, honest and authentic. It' s sometimes hard to find that in the music industry today. You are making the world that much better with your music. May you rock on forever man! Much love to the talented guys in Crazy horse too:) Great post! Anne
Ronald Haselden
They still sound great and on target, thanks for sharing Anne. -Ron
Jimmy Newark
A couple of years later this tune still resonates
Richard W. Tate
Dude it's still resonating
Miro Reijonen
I can't help crying when I hear this and feeling for Neil, regarding the recent news. That Guitar has more Feeling than the rest of the world will ever understand.