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Introduction:

Upstairs Downtown is a quintessential country hit by the iconic Toby Keith. Released in 1994 as the second single from his album Boomtown, the song quickly climbed the charts, solidifying Keith’s position as a rising star in the country music scene.

Known for his assertive vocals and relatable lyrics, Toby Keith found a perfect match with “Upstairs Downtown.” The song’s catchy melody and vivid storytelling resonated with audiences, painting a picture of small-town life and the complexities of relationships. Co-written by Keith and Carl Goff Jr., the song captured the hearts of listeners with its honest and straightforward approach.

Produced by Harold Shedd and Nelson Larkin, “Upstairs Downtown” showcased Keith’s raw talent and distinctive vocal style. The track’s production complemented the song’s heartfelt lyrics, creating a powerful and enduring country anthem. While it may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as some of Keith’s later hits, “Upstairs Downtown” remains a fan favorite and a cornerstone of his impressive discography.

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Video:

Lyrics:

“Upstairs, Downtown”

Route 14 Box 308
She said goodbye at the cattle-guard gate
Hoping she would find her a place in the world
With her mind made up and tears in her eyes
It almost made her daddy cry
He said don’t forget to call when you get there girl.Driving on that two lane road hoping she might find
A whole lot more waiting up ahead than what she left behind

Moving upstairs, downtown
Life’s too short to be hanging around
She’s eighteen and it’s time she got out of the wood
She’s getting out while the getting’s good

All bills paid and a room with a view
She’s unpacked a dish or two
She just got her phone turned on today
There’s a big, old world waiting just outside
As she’s thumbing through the classifieds
Looking for work and any old job’s okay

Driving on that cross-town freeway hoping she might find
A whole lot more waiting up ahead than what she left behind

Living upstairs, downtown
Life’s too short to be hanging around
She’s eighteen and it’s time she got out of the wood
She’s getting out while the getting’s good

Then she lost her job at the grocery store
And the wolf came knocking at the door
The red notice said they turned off her telephone
There’s nothing left for her to do so she’s packed up a thing or two
Loaded her car down, now she’s headed home

Driving on that two lane road hoping she might find
A whole lot more waiting up ahead than what she left behind

Living upstairs, downtown
Life’s too short to be hanging around
She’s eighteen and it’s time she got back to the wood
She’s getting out while the getting’s good