"The Down Town" is a song by American rock band Days of the New, released as the second single from their self-titled debut album. Like its predecessor, the song reached number one on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in 1998. "The Down Town" is also the third track on the band's Definitive Collection, released in 2008.
Composition Lyrically, "The Down Town" ambiguously details a town of drug users who are afraid of change and suppressive of the narrator. The phrase "to bring me down" is rebelliously shouted throughout the chorus. A mention of pointless and rejected concern over another person's well-being is also addressed during the bridge. Given this theme of negativity, the "Down Town" song title may be intended as a double entendre or pun.
Music video The "Down Town" video, directed by Lance Bangs, consists of a live concert performance. It retains the live audio and includes some notable differences from the studio recording; verse chords are used extensively in various parts, more punchy staccato is incorporated, and the first lyric of the bridge is changed to "I don't think that I should give a fuck about you." The performance lasts nearly a whole minute longer at 5:10.
Track listing "The Down Town" (LP version) "The Down Town" (radio remix version) "Touch, Peel and Stand" (live) "Freak" (live)
The live tracks were recorded at the New World Music Theatre for Rock 103.5 Chicago's Rockstock '97 on September 6, 1997.
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1998)Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (1998)PositionUS Mainstream Rock Tracks (Billboard)3US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard)72
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesMay 12, 1998Contemporary hit radioOutpostMay 25, 1998Active rock radio
References