Poor Side of Town

Johnny Rivers

About Poor Side of Town

"Poor Side of Town" is a song by Johnny Rivers that reached number one on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100 and the RPM Canadian Chart in November 1966.


Year:
1975
113 

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How can you tell me how much you miss me
When the last time I saw you, you wouldn't even kiss me
That rich guy you've been seein'
Must have put you down
So welcome back baby
To the poor side of town

To him you were nothin' but a little plaything
Not much more than an overnight fling
To me you were the greatest thing this boy had ever found
And girl it's hard to find nice things
On the poor side of town

I can't blame you for tryin'
I'm tryin' to make it too
I've got one little hang up baby
I just can't make it without you

So tell me, are you gonna stay now
Will you stand by me girl all the way now
Oh with you by my side
They just can't keep us down
Together we can make it girl
From the poor side of town

(So tell me how much you love me)
(Come be near to me and say you need me now)

Oh, with you by my side
This world can't keep us down
Together we can make it baby
From the poor side of town

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Johnny Rivers

Johnny Rivers (born John Henry Ramistella, November 7, 1942, New York City) is an American rock and roll singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. His styles include folk songs, blues, and revivals of old-time rock 'n' roll songs and some original material. Rivers's greatest success came in the mid- to late-1960s with a string of hit songs (including the #1 hit "Poor Side of Town", "Summer Rain", and "Secret Agent Man"), but he has continued to record and perform to the present. more »

3 fans

Written by: JOHNNY RIVERS, LOU ADLER

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Poor Side of Town" was co-written by Johnny Rivers along with Lou Adler. Adler is most known for co-creating the Monterey International Pop Music Festival in 1967.
Chart Performance
Becoming Rivers' biggest hit, "Poor Side of Town" rose to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966.
Genre Shift
The song signaled a style shift for Rivers from his previous rock 'n' roll songs, towards a more pop-oriented sound.
Authentic Story
"Poor Side of Town" captured the spirit of socio-economic disputes of its time as it conveyed the story of a man pleading with his girlfriend not to leave him for a richer man.
Album Success
The success of "Poor Side of Town" led to the creation of an album of the same name, which included some of Rivers' best works.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "Poor Side of Town," including Al Wilson, Nick DeCaro, and most notably the Tube Tops 2000, who provided a version for the film "The Brady Bunch Movie."
Rivers' Signature
Despite Rivers' versatility in musical styles throughout his career, "Poor Side of Town" remains one of his most distinct and recognized songs.
Television Appearance
Rivers performed "Poor Side of Town" live on the Ed Sullivan Show, one of the most popular variety shows in American television history.
Chart Recognition
The song is not only Rivers' only number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 but is also one of the biggest hits of 1966.
Accomplished Company
Rivers recorded "Poor Side of Town" at the famous Gold Star Studios, the same location where artists such as the Beach Boys and Phil Spector made some of their greatest hits.
Grammy Recognition
Though not specifically for "Poor Side of Town," Johnny Rivers won his Grammy in 1966 - the same year the song was released.

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    Poor Side of Town

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #1


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