Going Down To Liverpool
The Bangles Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hey now
Where you going with that load of nothing in your hand
I said: Hey now
All through this green and pleasant land.

I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
All the days of my life
All the days of my life.

Hey there
Where you going with that UB40 in your hand
I said: Hey there
All through this green and pleasant land.

I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
All the days of my life
All the days of my life.

Hey now
Where you going with that UB40 in your hand
I said: Hey now
All through this green and pleasant land.

I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing




All the days of my life
All the days of my life.

Overall Meaning

The Bangles' hit song Going Down To Liverpool tells the story of someone who appears to have no real plans or goals in life. The lyrics are directed towards two different people, each carrying something in their hand - one with a "load of nothing" and another with a UB40 (a reference to the popular British reggae band). Despite the lack of direction, the singer declares that they are going "down to Liverpool to do nothing" and will continue doing so for "all the days of [their] life."


While the lyrics may seem aimless or even depressing, they could also be seen as a rebellion against societal pressure to constantly be achieving and working towards goals. In a world where success is often measured by material possessions or career accomplishments, the idea of going to a city without any specific plans could be seen as a form of liberation. Liverpool may also carry a symbolic meaning - the city, known for its rich musical history, could represent a place of creative freedom and inspiration.


In the end, the repetition of the phrase "all the days of my life" emphasizes the idea of sticking to one's chosen path, even if it doesn't fit into conventional norms. Going Down To Liverpool is a reminder to take a break from the demands of society and find joy in life's simple pleasures, even if that means doing nothing at all.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey now
A greeting to someone encountered on the way.


Where you going with that load of nothing in your hand
A question asking why the person is carrying nothing.


I said: Hey now
Repeating the greeting to emphasize the question.


All through this green and pleasant land.
Observing the beauty of the natural scenery.


I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
Going to Liverpool with no specific plan or purpose.


I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
Repeating the plan with a slight variation.


I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
Repeating the plan again for emphasis.


All the days of my life
An indication that this is an indefinite plan for the future.


Hey there
Another greeting to someone else encountered on the way.


Where you going with that UB40 in your hand
Another question about why someone is carrying a specific item.


I said: Hey there
Repeating the greeting for politeness.


All through this green and pleasant land.
Again noticing the beauty of the surroundings.


I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
Repeating the plan to someone else.


I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
Repeating the plan yet again.


I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
Repeating the plan for emphasis and clarity.


All the days of my life
Confirming that this is a long-term plan that will continue into the future.


Hey now
Repeating the original greeting.


Where you going with that UB40 in your hand
Asking the same question again to a different person.


I said: Hey now
Repeating the greeting yet again.


All through this green and pleasant land.
Still appreciating the beauty of the natural world.


I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
Confirming the plan one last time.


I'm going down to Liverpool to do nothing
Repeating the plan for good measure.


All the days of my life.
Again affirming that this is a long-term plan.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kimberley Rew

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Jimm Bear

I forgot the drummer sang this song, great voice. This is one of those easy breezy song gems that simply works on every level without trying too hard. A totally underrated song with a great hook and next level melodies. This is the type of song most bands wish they had in their catalog. Whenever this song came on the radio it instantly lifted the energy and positivity in the room, car, or wherever it was played.

William HELLHASEYIS

@kerryedavis She also whistles on the song “walk like an Egyptian”

kerryedavis

The drummer also sang lead on "Be With You," one of my favorites. Check it out!

robert windsor

Susanna’s eyes though are something else

CrashCarlisle

You should check out the original version by Katrina and the Waves then.

William HELLHASEYIS

Endless Pain

2 More Replies...

WARDMAN3

I have said it before and will say it again. One of the best pop songs of the 80s. I live it as much today as I did back in 1984 I had so hoped it would be a huge hit for them. Its the perfect pop song in the perfect key with perfect harmony. I wish we had a time machine

Paul Sanders

@Ralph Jackson Good call, I reckon you're right. And there, in itself, is just one example of how criminally underrated this band was.

Paul Sanders

We do have a time machine - you're looking at it! I agree with you though, fantastic song.

Ralph Jackson

Re: the song's subject matter,unemployment in the UK soared past 3 million at the tail end of 1981,and didn't fall back below that figure until the earliest bit of 1987!

More Comments

More Versions