Rough Town
Johnny Hallyday · Rough Town [1994]
Old papers blowin' 'round my feet
Some dude's got heis eyes on you
Better walk quickly down the avenue
Somewhere somebody's baby cries
A new heart beats as another one dies
It ain't easy but you live and learn
If you don't get what you want
You might get what you deserve
It's a rough town
You give it all just to live in fear
No refuge no place to run
Talkin' 'bout a rough town
Gotta find a way to get outta here
Ain't no way around it
It's a rough town
Cold dawn comes with the break of day
Morning sky turns gun metal grey
From an upstairs window there's a woman scream
A nightmare vision from some junkes dream
An angry fist beatin' on an old steel door
Tell me why you here
Who are you lookin' for ?
It ain't easy but it ain't for long
This place is crazy
Tell me, hey, where did things go wrong ?
It's a rough town
Middle of the night and the street's alive
It's a gamble it's a chance you take
Talkin' 'bout a rough town
Gonna turn your world inside out
Call it what you want but
It's a rough town
2 a.m. I can't get to sleep
I bin lyin' here on these sweat-stained sheets
Beneath my window the city crawls
It's a rat race outside these walls, oh Yeah !
It's a rough town
You give it all just to live in fear
No refuge no place to run
Gotta find a way to get outta here
Ain't no way around it
It's a rough town
It's a rough town
Middle of the night and the street's alive
It's a gamble it's a chance you take
Talkin' 'bout a rough town
Gonna turn your world inside out
Call it what you want but
It's a rough town.
Rough Town
Released in 1994, Rough Town stands as a defining track from Johnny Hallyday's mid-career period, capturing the enduring energy of the French rock icon. The song reflects Hallyday's ability to blend classic rock influences with contemporary production, showcasing his signature vocal power and emotional delivery. As part of an album sharing the same name, the recording highlights his continued relevance during the 1990s, a decade where he successfully navigated shifting musical landscapes. The track exemplifies his knack for crafting anthemic rock numbers that resonate with audiences across generations. Without relying on complex arrangements, the song delivers a straightforward yet impactful message, reinforcing Hallyday's status as a cornerstone of French popular music. It remains a testament to his prolific discography and his capacity to evolve while maintaining his core identity as a rock performer.