Dirty City

Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton

About Dirty City

"Dirty City" is a rock song by Steve Winwood from his album Nine Lives, released on February 19, 2008. The song features Eric Clapton on guitar and reached number one on Adult Album Alternative radio for three weeks.


Year:
2008
7:44
109 

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The gangster came to see by boy
When I was working nights to pay one more bill
He promised the kid a sweeter life
Said, "Gotta understand it's dog eat dog out there"
Well I looked in his room when I got home
And underneath the covers found a loaded gun
He looked at me with empty eyes
He said, "It's time for me to be moving on"

[Chorus]
Dirty city, this is a dirty town
Where's the pity, I can't move on up to higher ground

I spoke to my woman the other day
She said, "I need more cash we can't pay our way"
She said, "Everything gets really hard
And I need something sweet, don't you understand?"
The roar of the train runs by my room
And on these summer nights I can't sleep anymore
I walk in the streets to greet the dawn
Or stay at home all night and stare at the floor

[Chorus: x2]

Help me now
Move on to a higher ground
Help somehow
Make a move to a higher ground
Won't you help somehow
Make a move to a higher ground
Won't you help somehow
I need a little help

[Chorus]

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Steve Winwood

Stephen Lawrence "Steve" Winwood (born 12 May 1948) is an award winning English songwriter and musician whose genres include blue-eyed soul, R&B, rock, blues-rock, pop-rock, and jazz. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays the electric organ, synthesizers, bass, drums, guitar, mandolin, violin and other strings. A star performer for nearly 50 years, he has also done notable work as a producer. more »

4 fans

Written by: PETER GODWIN, PETER DOUGLAS GODWIN, STEPHEN LAWRENCE WINWOOD, STEVE WINWOOD

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Release Date
"Dirty City" was released in March of 2008.
Album
The song is featured on Steve Winwood's ninth studio album, "Nine Lives."
Collaborations
The album version of "Dirty City" features guitar work from Eric Clapton, who is a close friend and longtime collaborator of Winwood.
Grammy-Nominated
"Dirty City" was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Rock Instrumental Performance category.
Song Writing
Winwood wrote "Dirty City" along with lyricist Peter Godwin. It explores themes of societal corruption and disillusionment with urban life.
Chart-Topping
This song managed to climb to the top 10 on the American Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Live Performances
Winwood has often featured his hit "Dirty City" in various live performances and tours around the world.
Long-Awaited Collaboration
The collaboration on "Dirty City" marked the first studio recording by Winwood and Clapton since their time together in the supergroup Blind Faith 40 years earlier.
Music Style
The song belongs to the genre of rock and features a fusion of blues, soul and rock.
Duration
The full-length version of "Dirty City" is seven minutes and forty-four seconds long, which is considerable for a song.
Reviews
"Dirty City" received positive reviews from critics for its powerful lyrics and Winwood's distinct vocals.
Notable Performances
One of the most memorable performances of "Dirty City" was at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2007, where Steve Winwood was joined on stage by Eric Clapton.
Social Commentary
The lyrics of "Dirty City" are considered a reflection of societal issues, making it a song with profound social commentary.
Winwood’s Skills
Aside from providing the vocals for the track, Winwood also plays the organ, effectively showcasing his instrumental skills.
Song's Popularity
Despite being released over a decade ago, "Dirty City" remains one of Steve Winwood's most popular songs to date.

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