Sh-t Towne
by Live

Album: Throwing Copper (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • At a June 11, 2000 concert, lead singer Ed Kowalczyk said: "We come from a really sh--ty town. It's called York, Pennsylvania (USA). By the way, don't ever go there, it's not worth it, unless you like York Peppermint Patties and Harley Davidson motorcycles." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jackie - Virginia Beach, VA
  • When asked if he expected any feedback from his disparaged hometown, Kowalczyk replied in a 1994 interview: "I would expect it, that's part of the reason we wrote it. I mean, you have to realize your own collective tragedy in a place like York. If you deny it, it's part of the whole mentality about it. But then again, I want people to know that it's not a personal attack on the people of York... 'cause that would be attacking me. I have had to overcome some very provincial shit that I got from growing up in a small town. And I still maintain a lot of it, y'know? It's hard to break out of. It's a funny song, but then again it's not. It's sort of tragic."
  • This appears on Live's breakthrough album, which sold 8 million copies in the US thanks to popular tracks like "I Alone" and "Lightning Crashes."

Comments: 5

  • David from 17404yes it is. I have been here a few years now. Old entitled folks who think they are better than each other any anyone not from York. They have been fixing up the Yorktowne hotel for years but its never going to finish
  • Darin from Philadelphia, PaLive is originally from the York City, which is an urban area surrounded by very rural York County; they were city kids. In York, if a business wants to project an air of elegance and class, they will title themselves "Yorktowne." Yorktowne Wallpaper for example. The fanciest hotel in downtown York is the Yorktowne Hotel. Live adding that simple pretentious letter "e" at the end of town is a hilarious inside joke for those of us from York.

    York County is a predominantly Pennsylvania-German area. The last name Weaver is very common.

    For years, York County radio stations banned Live because of this song.
  • Jackie from Blacksburg, VaThere's a HD factory there
  • Annabelle from Eugene, OrYork is the home of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle? That's interesting. I wonder if Harleys are even made in Philadelphia as well.
  • Lucas from York, PaI live in York and its not as bad as the song says but it still sucks
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular Music

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular MusicSong Writing

Starting in Virginia City, Nevada and rippling out to the Haight-Ashbury, LSD reshaped popular music.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Boy Bands

Boy BandsFact or Fiction

From NKOTB to 1D, how well do you know your boy bands?

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)Songwriter Interviews

The co-writer/guitarist on many Alice Cooper hits, Dick was also Lou Reed's axeman on the Rock n' Roll Animal album.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.