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Tar and cement Lyrics
The town I came from was quiet and small
we played in the meadows where the grass grew so tall
in summer the lilacs would grow everywhere
the laughter of children would float in the air
And I can see it all so clearly now
still going on
Yes, I can see it oh so clearly now
though all of it's gone
As I grew older I had to roam
far from my family, far from my home
into the city, where lives can be spent
lost in the shadows of tar and cement.
In to the city where I had my eye
on all the pleasures that money can buy
And every night I'd sit alone and learn
what loneliness meant
up in my rented room above a world
of tar and cement.
Each day I'd wake up and look at the sky
think of the meadows where I used to lie
then I'd remember all of that's gone
you're in the city, you better push on
get what you came for, before it's too late
get what you came for, the meadows can wait.
So every night I'd sit alone and learn
what loneliness meant
up in my rented room above a world
of tar and cement.
Many years later, tired at last
I headed for home to look for my past
I looked for the meadows, there wasn't a trace
six lanes of highway had taken their place
where were the lilacs and all that they meant
nothing but acres of tar and cement.
Yet I can see it there so clearly now
where has it gone?
Yes I can see it there so clearly now
where has it gone?
Where are the meadows? (tar and cement)
Where are the lilacs? (tar and cement)
And where is the tall grass? (tar and cement)
The laughter of children? (tar and cement)
Nothing but acres (tar and cement)
Acres and acres (tar and cement)
we played in the meadows where the grass grew so tall
in summer the lilacs would grow everywhere
the laughter of children would float in the air
still going on
Yes, I can see it oh so clearly now
though all of it's gone
far from my family, far from my home
into the city, where lives can be spent
lost in the shadows of tar and cement.
In to the city where I had my eye
on all the pleasures that money can buy
what loneliness meant
up in my rented room above a world
of tar and cement.
think of the meadows where I used to lie
then I'd remember all of that's gone
you're in the city, you better push on
get what you came for, before it's too late
get what you came for, the meadows can wait.
what loneliness meant
up in my rented room above a world
of tar and cement.
I headed for home to look for my past
I looked for the meadows, there wasn't a trace
six lanes of highway had taken their place
where were the lilacs and all that they meant
nothing but acres of tar and cement.
where has it gone?
Yes I can see it there so clearly now
where has it gone?
Where are the lilacs? (tar and cement)
And where is the tall grass? (tar and cement)
The laughter of children? (tar and cement)
Nothing but acres (tar and cement)
Acres and acres (tar and cement)
Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.
This song was originally an Italian song titled "Il ragazzo della via Gluck" (or "The Boy From Gluck Street"), performed by Adriano Celentano (who was also one of the co-writers).
The original song was largely biographical in nature; Celentano was not only from Milan, but was born and grew up in the titular Gluck Street (Via Cristoforo Gluck).
In essence of the original song is that Celentano (presumably) announces he's leaving to seek his fame and fortune in the city. He says this with tears in his eyes but makes it clear his heart is still there and that he plans to return. He does return after eight years but to his dismay 'progress' has removed all the grass, as well as the meadows. The song is a nostalgic reflection on his childhood, and the impacts of post-war urbanization on Italy.
The Italian song made it's way to well known American songwriters Lee Pockriss and Paul Vance (who as a partnership wrote a number of hits including "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" and "Catch A Falling Star") and they were asked to put English lyrics to the tune. Although not a direct translation, I think they did a great job of capturing the intent and spirit of the original song.
The lyrics (both English and Italian) still work and are relevant today because:
1) The story told is one that is familiar to many people and relatable; a lot of us were born outside of major urban centres and when we grow up a sizeable number move to the cities largely looking for better money and better opportunities.
2) People tend to remember things from their childhood with a certain sense of nostalgia.
2) They convey the sense of desolation, isolation and loneliness people can feel, particularly in a big city, particularly if you've grown up in a country town or a close knit community.
3) There is clearly an environmental warning here. In the short term, bit by bit, changes happen. For the people 'back home' the changes are more subtle. For someone who has been absent for eight years, the changes are enormous. The more existential thoughts here are on unbridled development and what price we attach to that (and can we get it back again).
Well, I hope that's helpful (and that someone other than me is listening to this song!).