Petula Clark – Downtown (1964)

About the song

Petula Clark’s “Downtown” is a classic pop song that captured the vibrant energy and allure of city life in the mid-1960s. Released in 1964, the song quickly became a global hit, showcasing Clark’s distinctive vocals and the infectious melody penned by Tony Hatch.

The song paints a vivid picture of a bustling city, teeming with life and excitement. The lyrics evoke a sense of freedom and adventure, as the narrator explores the urban landscape with a carefree spirit. From the neon lights and bustling streets to the lively cafes and crowded sidewalks, “Downtown” celebrates the thrill of urban living.

Clark’s delivery is both playful and confident, reflecting the youthful exuberance of the song’s subject matter. Her voice is full of energy and emotion, capturing the excitement and anticipation of the narrator’s urban escapades. The arrangement is equally dynamic, featuring a driving beat and a catchy horn section that adds to the song’s upbeat and infectious quality.

“Downtown” has endured as a timeless classic, resonating with audiences of all ages. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of freedom, adventure, and the allure of city life. The song’s catchy melody and Clark’s charismatic performance have made it a beloved staple of popular music.

Video

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 and go
Downtown, things’ll be great when you’re
Downtown, no finer place for sure
Downtown, everything’s waiting for you
(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 bossanova
You’ll be dancing with ’em too before the night is over
Happy again

The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and 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 and 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)
(repeat and fade out)