Petula Clark – Downtown

About the song

Petula Clark and the Swinging Sixties

The 1960s were a time of great change and upheaval. The Vietnam War was raging, the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and the Cold War was at its height. But amidst all of this turmoil, there was also a sense of hope and optimism. And one of the voices that captured the spirit of the era was Petula Clark.

Clark was born in England in 1932. She began her career as a child actress, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already a successful recording artist. In the early 1960s, Clark’s career took off internationally with a string of hit singles, including “Downtown,” “I Know a Place,” and “My Love.”

“Downtown”

“Downtown” was released in 1964. It was written by Tony Hatch, who would go on to write many more hits for Clark. The song is a catchy, upbeat ode to the excitement of city life. With its vibrant lyrics and infectious melody, “Downtown” quickly became a worldwide smash.

The song reached number one in the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other countries. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Rock & Roll Recording. “Downtown” has been covered by countless artists, including Dolly Parton, Dusty Springfield, and Beyoncé.

The Legacy of “Downtown”

“Downtown” is more than just a pop song. It is a cultural touchstone that captures the spirit of a time and place. The song’s optimistic message of hope and possibility continues to resonate with listeners today.

Key takeaways:

• “Downtown” was released in 1964 and became a worldwide hit.
• The song was written by Tony Hatch and performed by Petula Clark.
• “Downtown” is a catchy, upbeat ode to the excitement of city life.
• The song has been covered by countless artists and continues to resonate with listeners today.

Additional Information:

• Petula Clark was born in England in 1932.
• She began her career as a child actress and became a successful recording artist in the 1950s.
• Clark’s career took off internationally in the early 1960s with a string of hit singles.
• She is known for her distinctive voice and her upbeat, optimistic songs.
• Clark is a popular figure in the United Kingdom and is considered a national treasure.
• She continues to perform and record today.

Video

Lyrics

“Downtown”

 

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
DowntownJust 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 will be great when you’re
Downtown
No finer place for sure
Downtown
Everything’s waiting for you

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 ’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

So go
Downtown
Where all the lights are bright
Downtown
Waiting for you tonight
Downtown
You’re gonna be alright now
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 will be great when you’re
Downtown
Don’t wait a minute more
Downtown
Everything is waiting for you
Downtown

Downtown (downtown)
Downtown (downtown)
Downtown (downtown)
Downtown (downtown)