This Town
Neil Young and Crazyhorse 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 © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SCOTT BROWN, RICKY YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind