Shantytown
Jerry Lee Lewis · Other Songs - Jerry Lee Lewis
Writer Johnny Cash - June Carter
« © '67 Anne Rachel Music, ASCAP / Song Of Cash Music, ASCAP »
(I live down in Shantytown where chicken's twenty cents a pound)
And if you live on such solid ground whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
Whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
Well I'm back on your side of the tracks
Have come back for me to take you back
Back to your high society to your coctails and your teas
I'll look up but don't look down cause we got pride in Shantytown
(I live down in Shantytown...
Behind the walls of your shackled heart beats pure
While the rich have a love to endure
Well is the gold in your crown turning black
Is there something here in Shantytown that keeps you coming back
I live down in Shantytown...
Shantytown
Jerry Lee Lewis delivers a raw, high-energy performance on 'Shantytown,' a track that exemplifies his signature blend of rockabilly and country rock. Recorded during the mid-1950s, the song showcases Lewis's explosive vocal delivery and driving piano work, hallmarks of his career that would later define rock and roll. While often associated with his most famous hits like 'Hound Dog,' 'Shantytown' stands as a testament to his ability to craft compelling narratives about working-class life and resilience. The recording captures the frenetic spirit of the era, featuring Lewis's characteristic aggressive style that pushed the boundaries of traditional country music. It remains a significant song in his discography, reflecting the musical transition from rural roots to the broader rock landscape of the time.