Dirty Water

The Standells

About Dirty Water

"Dirty Water" is a song by the American rock band The Standells, written by their producer Ed Cobb. The song is a mock paean to the city of Boston, Massachusetts and its then-famously polluted Boston Harbor and Charles River.


Year:
1966
2:46
163 

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I'm gonna tell you a story
I'm gonna tell you about my town
I'm gonna tell you a big fat story, baby
Aw, it's all about my town

Yeah, down by the river
Down by the banks of the river Charles
(Aw, that's what's happenin' baby)
That's where you'll find me
Along with lovers, muggers, and thieves
(Aw, but they're cool people)

Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home
(Oh, you're the number one place)

Frustrated women (I mean they're frustrated)
Have to be in by twelve o'clock (oh, that's a shame)
But I'm wishin' and a-hopin', oh
That just once those doors weren't locked
(I like to save time for my baby to walk around)

Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, yeah)

Because I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, yeah)

Well, I love that dirty water (I love it, baby)
I love that dirty water (I love Boston)
I love that dirty water (Have you heard about the strangler?)
I love that dirty water (I'm the man, I'm the man)
I love that dirty water (Ow)
I love that dirty water (Come on, come on)

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The Standells

The Standells are a garage rock band from Los Angeles, California, USA, formed in the 1960s, who have been referred to as the "Godfathers of Punk Rock", and are best known for their 1966 hit "Dirty Water", now the anthem of several Boston sports teams. more »

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Written by: E. COBB

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"Dirty Water" is an iconic song by the American rock band The Standells released in 1966.
Song Inspiration
The song is written by the band’s producer, Ed Cobb. Its inspiration came after Cobb's experience with mugging in Boston, Massachusetts.
Chart Performance
"Dirty Water" peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and continues to be popular, despite not reaching the top 10.
Cultural Reference
This song has become synonymous with the city due to its lyrics "love that dirty water, Boston you’re my home."
Sports Connection
It is traditionally played after every home victory by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, cementing its status in Boston's sports and cultural scene.
Album
"Dirty Water" is the title track to the Standells' most successful album, which reached No. 52 in the Billboard album charts in 1966.
In Movies
The song has been used in a number of films and TV shows, including "Fever Pitch" and "The Simpsons."
Cover Versions
The song "Dirty Water" has been covered by a number of artists over the years, signaling its enduring popularity. Some notable covers include versions by The Inmates, The Dropkick Murphys, and Bruce Springsteen.
Wrong Assumption
Despite its heavy association with Boston, none of the original members of The Standells were from the city. This includes the songwriter Cobb, who was actually from Hawaii.
Enduring Legacy
Over half a century since its release, "Dirty Water" remains a staple in American pop culture, especially within Boston, where it is considered the city's unofficial anthem.

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    "Dirty Water Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/831084/The+Standells/Dirty+Water>.

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    Dirty Water

    2.7M
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #11


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