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 s--t 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

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

Daniel Lanois

Daniel LanoisSongwriter Interviews

Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.

Early Days of MTV

Early Days of MTVFact or Fiction

If you can recall the days when MTV played videos, you know that there are lots of stories to tell. See if you can spot the real ones.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

Sam Phillips

Sam PhillipsSongwriter Interviews

Collaborating with T Bone Burnett, Leslie Phillips changed her name and left her Christian label behind - Robert Plant, who recorded one of her songs on Raising Sand, is a fan.