I Know a Place
Petula Clark Lyrics


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Every day, when the work is behind you
And the shop and the store put the lock on the door
Just get away where your worries won't find you
If you like, well, I'll tell you more

Don't let the day get the better of you
When the evening comes, there's so much to do
You better put on your best and wear a smile
Just come along with me a while, 'cause I tell you

I know a place
Where the music is fine and the lights are always low
I know a place where we can go

At the door, there's a man who will greet you
Then you go downstairs to some tables and chairs
Soon, I'm sure, you'll be tappin' your feet
Because the beat is the greatest there

All around, there are girls and boys
It's a swingin' place, a cellar full of noise
It's got an atmosphere of its own somehow
You gotta come along right now 'cause I tell you

I know a place
Where the music is fine and the lights are always low
I know a place where we can go

Well, all around, there are girls and boys
It's a swingin' place, a cellar full of noise
It's got an atmosphere of its own somehow
You gotta come along right now 'cause I tell you

I know a place
Where the music is fine and the lights are always low
I know a place where we can go

I know a place where we can go
I know a place where the lights are low




You gotta love this place I know
I know a place where we can go

Overall Meaning

Petula Clark's song "I Know A Place" is an optimistic and cheerful invitation to escape from the stresses of everyday life to a place where the music is great and the atmosphere is lively. The lyrics emphasize the importance of taking time to enjoy life, particularly after a hard day of work. The song suggests that listeners should not let their worries get the best of them and should instead put on their best clothes and walk around with a smile. The refrain, "I know a place where the music is fine and the lights are always low / I know a place where we can go," provides a sense of comfort and reassurance.


The song is about a specific place - a club - that's introduced as an oasis of calm and happiness. When the singer invites you to "just come along with me a while," the place she's talking about turns from metaphor to real, tangible happiness. The song's appeal is the total joy in this specific venue. The man at the door who greets you, the tables and chairs downstairs, the girls and boys all around, and the swinging atmosphere all contribute to making the club special. The song is about finding a way to get over life's hardships and let loose, and the club is the perfect place to do just that.


"I Know A Place" was a huge success in the 1960s, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1965. It was also a top 10 hit in the United Kingdom and Australia. The song was used in the 1996 comedy film "The Nutty Professor" and is still frequently played on oldies stations and used in TV commercials.


Line by Line Meaning

Every day, when the work is behind you
After a hard day's work, when you're done with job-related worries


And the shop and the store put the lock on the door
When the markets and shops are closed and you're free from commercial thoughts


Just get away where your worries won't find you
Find a place away from troubles and leave them behind


If you like, well, I'll tell you more
If interested, I can show you a great place to escape


Don't let the day get the better of you
Don't be overwhelmed by the difficulties of the day


When the evening comes, there's so much to do
In the evenings, there are many activities to engage in


You better put on your best and wear a smile
Dress up your best and wear a smile to enjoy the evening


Just come along with me a while, 'cause I tell you
Join me and let me show you the perfect place for enjoyment


I know a place
I have found a great place to have fun


Where the music is fine and the lights are always low
Where you can hear good music in a dimly lit atmosphere


At the door, there's a man who will greet you
When you enter, a man will greet you at the door


Then you go downstairs to some tables and chairs
Once inside, you descend some stairs to find tables and chairs


Soon, I'm sure, you'll be tappin' your feet
The music is so good that you'll start tapping your feet in joy


Because the beat is the greatest there
The rhythm of the music is exceptionally good


All around, there are girls and boys
A diverse crowd of young people is present everywhere


It's a swingin' place, a cellar full of noise
This high-energy nightclub is swarming with sound and life


It's got an atmosphere of its own somehow
This place has a unique ambiance unlike any other


You gotta come along right now 'cause I tell you
You must come with me immediately because I promise you a good time


I know a place
Once again, I'd like to tell you about a spectacular destination


Where the music is fine and the lights are always low
Where you can always find great music and soft lighting


I know a place where we can go
I know of a spot where we can have an excellent time


Well, all around, there are girls and boys
Once more, the nightclub is brimming with a fantastic crowd


It's a swingin' place, a cellar full of noise
The atmosphere continues to be lively and vibrant


It's got an atmosphere of its own somehow
This nightclub's character is one-of-a-kind and hard to pin down


You gotta come along right now 'cause I tell you
Once again, I urge you to join me to experience this great nightspot


I know a place
As before, I have a perfect location in mind


Where the music is fine and the lights are always low
This venue is renowned for its great tunes and ambient lighting


I know a place where we can go
One last time, I'm inviting you to come to this amazing spot with me.




Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tony Hatch

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Rolando Aponte

This song demands strong lungs and stamina. She made it in a breeze. What an accomplished artist!

Roger Billings

No backing dancers or graphics just perfect delivery of a great song. Total class!

Alex Nesrallah

Many of her other performances on Ed Sullivan and other shows did have backing dancers and graphics.

Roger Billings

@Alex Nesrallah Yes! Colour My World is a great performance with dancers. Didn't get to see The Ed Sullivan Show here in England at the time so this channel is brilliant catch-up for me!

shyman99

This is not an easy song to perform live and not look spent, yet she does it with perfection. The normally reserved Ed Sullivan audience really got into it and how could they not? Petula was captivating.

MrTitan225

To be on Ed's Sunday night prime time show.....you was the best ! Pet Clark is an Icon in England....she's loves us US fans.... we love her as well

Frank Shannon

And she had just finished "Downtown" seconds before she did this one.

David Carroll

Especially as a solo act! Most of the other YT videos are big productions! This s the best quality upload though. Thanks!

John in Poughkeepsie

@MrTitan225 Ditto here and for many years !!

Michelle Taylor

Love her large voice

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