Downtown
Neil Young [W. Pearl Jam] Lyrics

There's a place called Downtown
The song begins by acknowledging the existence of an urban area commonly referred to as Downtown.

Where the hippies all go
The area is popular among young, non-conformist individuals known as hippies.

And they dance the charleston
These individuals engage in various dances, such as the Charleston, that are unconventional for the time period.

And they do the limbo
They also participate in another low-to-the-ground dance called the limbo.

Yeah the hippies all go there
The chorus repeats the fact that this area serves as a regular gathering spot for the aforementioned demographic.

'Cause they want to be seen
They come to be noticed and acknowledged by others.

It's like a room full of pictures
The atmosphere of this location is such that it can be likened to a room filled with various visual images.

It's like a psychedelic dream
The visual stimulation and mind-altering substances create an experience akin to a psychedelic dream.

Let's go downtown
The chorus invites the listener to come along and experience the scene for themselves.

Downtown at night
The invitation specifically pertains to the nighttime ambiance of Downtown.

Let's have a party
The chorus later encourages not only attendance, but active participation in communal partying.

Yeah it's right around the corner
This location is conveniently situated nearby.

Up and down the hill
It also seems to be located on one or more hills, that is varying elevations.

When you hear the band playin'
The presence of live music serves as a calling card for the location's entertainment value.

It's gonna give you a chill
The music has the potential to evoke strong emotional responses in the listener.

Give your money to the gateman
In order to gain entry to the event, one must pay admission fees to a bouncer or gateman.

Young blood in his eye
This bouncer or gateman is likely a young, energetic individual who is alert and vigilant in his duties.

Hold on to your baby
It is also suggested that patrons should hold onto their significant others, possibly due to the crowded nature of the location.

When you slip into the sky
The location and associated atmosphere may be so intoxicating that it feels as if one is transported into another realm entirely.

Jimi's playin' in the back room
The song name-drops popular musicians of the time, such as Jimi Hendrix, who may have performed in this or similar locations.

Led Zeppelin on stage
Another notable band, Led Zeppelin, is also mentioned in relation to their possible performances there.

There's a mirror ball twirlin'
The iconic mirror ball, which reflects light and adds to the visual stimulation of the scene, is mentioned.

And a note from Page
One of the members of Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page, possibly left a note or message for the patrons of this event.

Like a water-washed diamond
The sensory overload experienced in this location may feel comparable to viewing a diamond glittering in the light, but from a submerged point of view.

In a river of sin
However, it is also acknowledged that the behavior, drug use, and other controversial elements present in this location may lead some to see it as a location associated with vice.

Goin' down like a whirlpool
As a result, entering and becoming involved in the exploits of this location may feel like being sucked into the force of a whirlpool or vortex.

Downtown all right
The chorus concludes by affirming the appeal and exciting experienced provided by Downtown.