Shuttin' Detroit Down

John Rich

About Shuttin' Detroit Down

"Shuttin' Detroit Down" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer John Rich, one half of the duo Big & Rich. The song addresses the issue of the government bailouts of financial institutions, and has received heavy rotation on Michigan radio stations, as well as others around the country. Rich recorded and released the song in January 2009, and it appears on his second solo album, Son of a Preacher Man. The album was released on March 24, 2009 on Warner Bros. Records Nashville, the same label to which Big & Rich is signed. 


Year:
2009
4:01
160 
#3

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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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John Rich

John Rich (born January 7, 1974) is an American country music singer-songwriter. From 1992 to 1998, he was a member of the country music band Lonestar, in which he played bass guitar and alternated with Richie McDonald as lead vocalist. After being fired from the band in 1998, he embarked on a solo career on BNA Records in the late 1990s, releasing two singles for the label and recording Underneath the Same Moon, which was not released until 2006. By 2003, he joined Big Kenny to form the duo Big & Rich, who released three albums on Warner Bros. Records as well as ten singles, including the Number One "Lost in This Moment". After Big & Rich went on hiatus in 2007, Rich began work on a second solo album, Son of a Preacher Man, which has produced two mor… more »

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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.
Released Date
The song was released in January 2009 as the lead-off single to Rich's third studio album, "Son Of a Preacher Man".
Chart Success
The 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.
Production Details
The song was produced by John Rich and Kenny Alphin, Rich's collaborative partner in the country duo, Big & Rich.
Theme Classification
The 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.
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.
Controversy
Despite 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.
Famous Quotes
The 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".
Video Release
The music video for the song was released in March 2009, featuring Kris Kristofferson and Mickey Rourke.
Industry Recognition
John Rich performed "Shuttin' Detroit Down" on various popular television shows upon its release, including "Larry King Live" and "The Glenn Beck Program".
Critical Acclaim
The 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.
Timeline
Rich 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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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2009

    Billboard #75


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