Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

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Growing up in the Ville

When we were kids growing up in the Ville

from  Dilboy Field to Prospect Hill

we rode our bikes, and played relievio

when the streetlights came on, up the house we would go

When we were kids growing up in the Ville

We had no worries, we paid no bills

The busses were bigger with comfortable seats

And all of us kids would hang out in the streets

When we were kids growing up in the Ville

The theatres were cheap and they showed triple bills

If you grew up in a Somerville home

Dad gave you a dime to use the pay phone

The cars had no seat belts so if we stopped short

Dad’s arm swung out swiftly with loving support

When we were kids growing up in the Ville

The smallest things gave us the biggest thrills

There was a small store on every other block

with penny candy and ice cream, they were  always well stocked

Today when we’re feeling that Somerville pride

we put on our scally caps, and go for a ride

to Belmont or Powder House Park we may steer

And think of the friends that are no longer here

The stores that we shopped in back then are all gone

Thank God all the memories will always live on

When we were kids growing up in the Ville

We watched out for each other with love and goodwill

We may be on social security today

But we’re still young at heart, that’s the way we will stay

If you just moved to Somerville you hit the jackpot

There isn’t a more awesome, classier spot

But if you were a kid growing up in the Ville

You earned being cool, and cool you are still.