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

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum

Dave Pirner of Soul AsylumSongwriter Interviews

Dave explains how the video appropriated the meaning of "Runaway Train," and what he thought of getting parodied by Weird Al.

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.

Kevin Godley

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.