Street Action

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a town that thrives after dark, driven by a restless energy. We're introduced to characters like "Long legs Sally," who uses her charm to manipulate others into spending money, and "Shot gun Charlie," who gets kicked out for reasons other than drinking. This sets a scene of calculated moves and social dynamics unfolding on the streets, especially as night falls. The core of the song seems to be this "Street action," a force that's both creative and predatory. It's described as "born in the night" but "robs in the light," suggesting a duality where the planning and plotting happen under the cover of darkness, but the actual taking or profiting occurs in plain sight. This creates a tension between the hidden machinations and their visible outcomes. The repeated refrain, "Street action - born in the night / Street action - robs in the light," hammers home this central theme. The contrast between night and light, and the active verbs "born" and "robs," emphasize the constant, almost inevitable cycle of this activity. The phrase "ready to fight" adds an edge of aggression, implying that this street life isn't just about subtle manipulation but also potential confrontation. Ultimately, the lyrics suggest a town that's alive with a specific kind of nocturnal commerce and social interaction. The repeated assertion that "Seems we never get let down" and "Nothing slow about this old town" indicates a sense of pride or at least acceptance of this vibrant, perhaps illicit, way of life. The final lines, "Stand on the corner it's allright," serve as an invitation or a declaration of belonging within this established order.