Downtown
Petula Clark 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
So go downtown, things'll be great when you're
Downtown, no finer place for sure
Downtown everything's waiting for you

Downtown, 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 bossa nova
You'll be dancing with him too before the night is over
Happy again

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

Downtown, 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
So go 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, downtown, downtown

Overall Meaning

Petula Clark’s hit song “Downtown” gives a powerful message that the downtown area of a city is the perfect place to escape from the troubles of life. Clark encourages her listeners that if they are feeling lonely, worried or caught up in the rush of the day, they should head to downtown where the neon lights and music will make things better for them. The verse “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?” shows that even the simple things like listening to the sounds of the city can have a positive effect on one’s soul. It reminds us to focus on the beauty in the little things and to let the music of the city provide solace and peace when everything else seems too chaotic.


The artist also highlights the freedom and opportunities that downtown offers. The repetition of the lyrics “downtown, downtown,” emphasizes the endless possibilities of letting go of your worries and rewarding oneself in the downtown area. People can go to movie shows or explore new places to have fun and enjoy themselves. Clark believes that they can forget their troubles, forget their cares, and even find somebody who is kind and who will understand them. In essence, the song suggests that downtown is where people can find what they are looking for.


Line by Line Meaning

When you're alone, and life is making you lonely
If you find yourself in solitude and feel desolation creeping in


You can always go
There's always an option to take


Downtown
Head to the city center


When you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry
If you're bothered, the chaos and hustle might relieve you


Seems to help, I know
It's proven to work


Downtown
Head to the city center


Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Absorb the sound of honking cars and busy streets


Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty
Pause by the illuminating neon signs


How can you lose?
What's there to miss?


The lights are much brighter there
The city has an entirely different atmosphere


You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares
You may be able to escape your worries


So go downtown, things'll be great when you're
Take a trip to the city center, things will improve if you do


Downtown, no finer place for sure
The city center is the best place for you to be


Downtown everything's waiting for you
The city center hosts many possibilities


Don't hang around and let your problems surround you
Avoid dwelling on your issues


There are movie shows
Head to the cinema


Downtown
The city center is the location of interest


Maybe you know some little places to go to
Perhaps you have a few insider tips


Where they never close
That remain open endlessly


Downtown
The city center


Just listen to the rhythm of a gentle bossa nova
Get caught up in the vibes of a chill bossa nova tune


You'll be dancing with him too before the night is over
You might end up dancing too before you call it a night


Happy again
Feel content once more


The lights are much brighter there
The city center has a distinct brilliance to it


Downtown, where all the lights are bright
The city center, where the dazzling lights abound


Downtown, waiting for you tonight
The city center awaits you this evening


Downtown, you're gonna be alright now
Once there, everything will be okay


And you may find somebody kind to help and understand you
The city center offers a chance to encounter someone who empathizes


Someone who is just like you and needs a gentle hand to
Someone who could relate to your predicament and requires gentle assistance


Guide them along
Help them chart the way


So maybe I'll see you there
We might cross paths there


We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares
The city center can facilitate the freedom to loosen up


Downtown, things'll be great when you're
The city center is the place for great times


Downtown, don't wait a minute more
Head to the city center now


Downtown, everything's waiting for you
The city center has so much in store for you


Downtown, downtown, downtown, downtown
Repeated emphasis on the destination


Downtown, downtown, downtown, downtown, downtown, downtown
Further iteration of the importance of the city center




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Tony Hatch

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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