Love is the only thing that matters
Love is the only thing that's real

I know we hear this every day
It's still the hardest thing to feel

This time
When I go back to Ludlow Street
I find each stoop and doorway's incomplete
Without you there

Another generation's parties
And it is still the same old scene
I can recall each morning after
Painted in nicotine

This time
When I go back to Ludlow Street
I find each stoop and doorway's incomplete
Without you there

All of the people I once knew...
All of the ones I was close to...

Love is the only thing that matters
Love the only thing that's real

And when I think about you now
Love is the only thing I feel

This time
When I go back to Ludlow Street
I find each stoop and doorway's incomplete
Without you there

Tim, this time
When I go back to Ludlow Street
I find each stoop and doorway's incomplete
Without you there


Lyrics submitted by Anderson Council

Ludlow Street Lyrics as written by Suzanne Vega

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

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Ludlow Street song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    It's about the death of her brother, Tim (his name is whispered before the last chorus). When she goes back to Ludlow Street (where her brother lived) it reminds her of their childhood together and how she's never going to get those moments back. A sad song, a beautiful song, and probably one of my favorite songs ever.

    Soupwizardon March 11, 2011   Link

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