About the song
“Downtown” is a timeless song written and produced by the renowned English composer Tony Hatch. First recorded by British singer Petula Clark in 1964, the song quickly captured the hearts of listeners around the world. It climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved a remarkable position as number two on the UK Singles Chart. For his work on “Downtown,” Tony Hatch was honored with the Ivor Novello Award in 1981 for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.
The song’s journey to fame began during Hatch’s visit to New York City in the fall of 1964. While wandering through the vibrant streets of Broadway and Times Square, Hatch was struck by the city’s electric energy. Standing on the corner of 48th Street, as the neon signs illuminated the night, the melody for “Downtown” came to him almost instantly. Hatch originally envisioned the song as a doo-wop R&B number, possibly for the Drifters. However, he soon realized that the song’s potential was perfect for Petula Clark.
Tony Hatch had previously collaborated with Clark when he assisted in the production of her 1961 hit “Sailor.” In 1963, Hatch became Clark’s regular producer, but their subsequent singles did not achieve significant chart success. Despite this, Hatch’s new creation, “Downtown,” was about to change everything. During a visit to Paris shortly after his New York trip, Hatch presented Clark with several songs. Though initially uninterested in the other material, Clark was immediately taken with “Downtown.” She told Hatch to finish the song and prepare it for recording.
Petula Clark’s decision to record “Downtown” was a turning point. The song’s upbeat, catchy melody and Clark’s engaging performance transformed it into an international hit. The success of “Downtown” not only showcased Clark’s talent but also cemented Tony Hatch’s reputation as a gifted songwriter and producer. Since then, “Downtown” has been covered by various artists, including Dolly Parton and Emma Bunton, demonstrating its enduring appeal and the lasting impact of Hatch’s remarkable composition.
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Lyrics
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
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