Petula Clark – Downtown. 1964

About the song

“Downtown,” a song synonymous with the swinging sixties, boasts a fascinating journey from a chance encounter in New York City to an international chart-topper. Composed by British songwriter Tony Hatch, the song’s unlikely birth took place during Hatch’s first visit to the Big Apple. Enchanted by the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square, Hatch envisioned a melody inspired by the city’s energy.

Originally conceived as a doo-wop R&B song for a male group, “Downtown” took an unexpected turn when Hatch presented it to singer Petula Clark. Intrigued by the melody, Clark urged Hatch to complete the song, even though it only had a few lyrics at the time.

The recording process for “Downtown” was equally unique. Hatch, aiming to bridge the gap between young audiences and Clark’s established fanbase, crafted a dynamic arrangement featuring a large orchestra mimicking the sound of a rock band. The session included renowned guitarists like Jimmy Page and Big Jim Sullivan, further solidifying the song’s impactful sound.

Despite initial reservations from Pye Records, “Downtown” found its champion in Joe Smith, head of A&R at Warner Bros. Recognizing the song’s potential, Smith secured its release in the US. The gamble paid off handsomely. “Downtown” defied seasonal trends, skyrocketing up the charts and becoming the first number one hit of 1965. Notably, it made Clark the first British female artist to achieve a US number one during the rock and roll era.

The song’s success transcended borders. Clark recorded versions in French, Italian, German, and Spanish, each capturing the essence of “Downtown” while adapting to the specific language. The song’s cultural impact continued well beyond its initial release. Featured in films like “Seinfeld,” “Girl, Interrupted,” and “Lost,” “Downtown” continues to resonate with audiences today, even appearing in the recent horror film “Last Night in Soho.”

“Downtown” stands as a testament to the power of serendipity and the ability of music to transcend barriers. From its unexpected origins in New York City to its global success, the song remains a timeless classic that continues to capture the imagination of listeners around the world.

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
So go downtown, things’ll 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 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 all right now

—— instrumental break ——

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 for
Downtown – everything’s waiting for you

Downtown, downtown, downtown, downtown …