The song "The Old Part of Town" by James McMurtry tells the story of a person wandering through a busy and noisy beltway where business is done. The person hears someone else guessing their origins based on their appearance. The town is described as being quiet, except for the ticking of the bell tower, and the beltway is described as being filled with short tempers and long hours. However, the speaker suggests going to the old part of town, where the footsteps and heartbeat of history can still be felt. The speaker observes various scenes, such as two split-up women planning to meet later and being picked up by cars before stepping off the curb. The speaker reflects on the emptiness of the carnival quarters past midnight and the shine of the signs blocking out the stars on the beltway. Despite the chaos and noise of the beltway, the old part of town holds a promise of nostalgia, history, and perhaps even a good time to be had. The song seeks to contrast the busyness and superficiality of the modern beltway with the depth and authenticity of the old part of town.
