This is the sixteenth in an occasional series of songs from my collection, with the intent of introducing music to younger readers that they may gain appreciation of music from the classic years, 1957-1990.
I have lived long enough to hear the "popular" music industry become ever-more formulaic, lazy, uninspiring and cynical; delivering "units" and "artistes" as interesting and memorable as polished mud.
Meaningful songs that eloquently convey a story, sentiment, or social comment and make it to national consciousness are rare these days. If you agree this song is meaningful, please introduce it to someone young; they might enjoy becoming "musical archaeologists".
Todays song, titled "Downtown", released in 1964, is by a singer called PETULA CLARK.
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| Petula Clark |
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| Hear the song here |
This song was written by Tony Hatch and first recorded in 1964 by Petula Clarks, becoming the definitive version. To understand her life and musical output start here.
DOWNTOWN
When you're alone and life is making you lonelyYou can always goDowntownWhen you've got worries all the noise and the hurrySeem to help I knowDowntownJust listen to the music of the traffic in the cityLinger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are prettyHow can you lose?The light's so much brighter thereYou can forget all your troublesForget all your caresSo go downtownThings will be great when you'reDowntownNo finer place for sureDowntownEverthing's waiting for youDowntown, downtownDon't hang around and let you problems surround youThere are movie showsDowntownMaybe you know some little places to go toWhere they never closeDowntownJust listen for the rhythm of a gentle bossa novaYou'll be dancing with 'em too before the night is overHappy againThe light's so much brighter thereYou can forget all your troubles,Forget all your caresSo go downtownWhere all the lights are brightDowntownWaiting for you tonightDowntownYou're gonna be alright nowDowntownDowntown ....And you may find somebody kind to help and understand youSomeone who is just like you and needs a gentle handTo guide them alongSo maybe I'll see you thereWe can forget all our troubles,Forget all our caresSo go downtownThings will be great when you'reDowntownDon't wait a minute moreDowntownEverything's waiting for youDowntownDowntown ....
Read the next article in the series or hear the next song in the series.
For the index of all songs in this blog click here.
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