Shuttin' Detroit Down
John Rich
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My daddy taught me in this country everyone's the same. You work hard for your dollar and you never pass the blame, When it don't go your way. Now I see all these big shots whining on my evening news, About how they're losing billions and it's up to me and you To come running to the rescue. Well pardon me if I don't shed a tear. Their selling make believe and we don't buy that here. Because in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down, While the boss man takes his bonus paid jets on out of town. DC's bailing out them bankers as the farmers auction ground. Yeah while they're living up on Wall Street in that New York City town, Here in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down. Here in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down. Well that old man's been working in that plant most all his life, Now his pension plan's been cut in half and he can't afford to die And it's a crying shame, cus he ain't the one to Blame. When I looked down to see his calloused hands, Well let me tell you friend it gets me fightin' mad. Cause in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down, While the boss man takes his bonus paid jets on out of town. DC's bailing out them bankers as the farmers auction ground. Yeah while they're living up on Wall Street in that New York City town, Here in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down. Yeah while they're living up on Wall Street in that New York City town, Here in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down. Here in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down, In the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down. They're shuttin' Detroit down.
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Written by: JOHN D ANDERSON, JOHN D RICH
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Artist Information"Shuttin' Detroit Down" is a song written and performed by country music singer John Rich.
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Released DateThe song was released in January 2009 as the lead-off single to Rich's third studio album, "Son Of a Preacher Man".
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Chart SuccessThe song was a commercial success, reaching number 12 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Production DetailsThe song was produced by John Rich and Kenny Alphin, Rich's collaborative partner in the country duo, Big & Rich.
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Theme ClassificationThe song is often categorized as a protest song and as country music. The lyrics tell a story about the 2008–2012 global recession and its impact on the American working class.
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Pop Culture"Shuttin' Detroit Down" gained unexpected international attention when actor Mickey Rourke recited its lyrics during an appearance on a British television show in 2009.
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ControversyDespite the song's popularity, it also received criticism. Some Detroit residents felt that the song didn't accurately represent the city's resilience and determination in the face of economic hardship.
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Famous QuotesThe song includes the popular lyric, "While they're living it up on Wall Street in that New York City town, here in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down".
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Video ReleaseThe music video for the song was released in March 2009, featuring Kris Kristofferson and Mickey Rourke.
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Industry RecognitionJohn Rich performed "Shuttin' Detroit Down" on various popular television shows upon its release, including "Larry King Live" and "The Glenn Beck Program".
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Critical AcclaimThe song was lauded for its powerful depiction of economic plight, with many critics noting its emotional resonance with listeners during a time of widespread financial struggle.
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TimelineRich wrote the song in less than a day, and it was recorded just a few days after having been written. The rapid production reflects the urgency and relevance of its theme during the 2008–2012 recession.
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Citation
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