Baltimore

Album: Little Criminals (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to David Ewen in the 1987 book American Songwriters, "With its deprecating remarks about the city" this song "generated controversy."

    Newman grew up in Los Angeles and Louisiana so it is quite likely that his "Baltimore" is not to be taken too literally; Nina Simone recorded a reggae version which is probably more palatable to the citizen's of this East Coast port. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England
  • Randy Newman wrote the song without ever going to Baltimore. He explained to The Guardian: "I had been through it in a train and I saw this story about it in National Geographic."
  • Newman is quite harsh about Baltimore.

    The city's dyin' and they don't know why

    He admitted: "I didn't feel good about that. [Laughs] I think people in Baltimore who objected to that song had a real good case because I didn't know anything about it."

Comments: 4

  • Itzgorg23 from OklahomaWow, love all the different meanings of this song.
  • Jennifur Sun from RamonaFred there is also the old Country tune, I know Buck Owens did a version of this: Streets Of Baltimore.
  • Fred from Laurel, MdAwesome list, Dee!
    Now, OK, I know it's not actually ABOUT Baltimore, but it *does* mention the city -- "Engine Number Nine" by Roger Miller
    -- "I know she got off in Baltimore."
  • Deethewriter from Saint Petersburg, Russia FederationMore Songs About Baltimore, Maryland:

    Raining In Baltimore by Counting Crows
    Streets of Baltimore by Graham Parsons
    Baltimore To Washington by Woody Guthrie
    Baltimore by Lyle Lovett
    Baltimore by Nina Simone
    What's New In Baltimore by Frank Zappa
    The Baltimore Sun by The Jayhawks
    Baltimore by The Drifters
    Oh Baltimore by Mullyman
    Baltimore by Lee Ritenour
    Baltimore by Roy Buchanan
    Baltimore's Fireflies by Woodkid
    Dear Baltimore by Carter's Chord
    Baltimore Eviction by Roy Wood Jr.
    Baltimore by Robbie & Sly
    From Baltimore To Paris by Go West
    Back In Baltimore by Danny Bryant
    Baltimore Oriole by Bob Dorough
    Doing Time in Baltimore by Caleb Stine
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.