Old Dirt Hill

Album: Stand Up (2005)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song might be about Observatory Hill (a.k.a. O-Hill) in Charlottesville, Virginia, where the band formed. The railroad bridge and bike references seem to describe the area pretty well. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bill - Charlottesville, VA
  • At an April 2007 concert at Radio City Music Hall, Matthews said about this song: "When I first wrote it, someone said, 'Is this song about you?' And I said 'no, I have no idea who it's about' And then I thought about it, and then sure enough! It was all about me! But I think this song's sort of about everybody." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    VinnyVegas - Durham, NC

Comments: 2

  • Cari from Canton, OhGood to know. I love this song and I never get to hear it in concert. It seems they always play it the day before or the day after I go to a show!
  • Matt from Chicago, IlI agree, it seems like a very influencile place in Dave's life

    "When I was just a kid
    That's what I miss
    Just a kid
    That's what I miss

    Oh take me back, take me back to that beat again
    Smoking under the railroad bridge"
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.

When Rock Belonged To Michelob

When Rock Belonged To MichelobSong Writing

Michelob commercials generated hits for Eric Clapton, Genesis and Steve Winwood in the '80s, even as some of these rockers were fighting alcoholism.

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

Movie Stars In Music Videos

Movie Stars In Music VideosSong Writing

Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Mila Kunis and John Malkovich are just a few of the film stars who have moonlighted in music videos.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.