Small Town
John Mellencamp
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Well I was born in a small town And I live in a small town Probably die in a small town Oh, those small communities All my friends are so small town My parents live in the same small town My job is so small town Provides little opportunity Educated in a small town Taught the fear of Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another boring romantic that's me But I've seen it all in a small town Had myself a ball in a small town Married an L.A. doll and brought her to this small town Now she's small town just like me No I cannot forget where it is that I come from I cannot forget the people who love me Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town And people let me be just what I want to be Got nothing against a big town Still hayseed enough to say Look who's in the big town But my bed is in a small town Oh, and that's good enough for me Well I was born in a small town And I can breathe in a small town Gonna die in this small town And that's probably where they'll bury me
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Small Town" was written and performed by American musician John Mellencamp, who was inspired by his own experiences growing up in a small town in Indiana, U.S. He penned the lyrics as a nod to his roots and as a way to relate to those living the small town life.
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Album ReleaseThe song was released on the album "Scarecrow" in 1985. It was Mellencamp’s eighth studio album and is largely considered one of the defining albums of his career.
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Chart Performance"Small Town" peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of his biggest hits. It also landed on top 10 lists in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Small Town" features scenes from Mellencamp's own hometown of Seymour, Indiana, further emphasizing the personal connection he has with the song.
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Concert StapleSince its release, "Small Town" has become a staple at Mellencamp concerts. He often performs it as part of his encore, offering a fitting end to his shows that take audiences on journeys through American heartland and rock and roll.
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Social CommentaryAlthough it may seem like a simple song about small-town life, "Small Town" actually offers social commentary. Its lyrics point out both the highs and lows of living in a small town, highlighting the sense of community but also the lack of opportunities.
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Philanthropy"Small Town" has been used for promotions of charitable causes. The song was played at Farm Aid, a benefit concert that Mellencamp co-organized in 1985 to raise money for family farmers in America.
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Pro-Small TownDespite its criticisms, “Small Town” overall delivers a positive message about small-town living. It’s proud of the small-town values and the authenticity these communities bring, making it a favorite in rural areas and smaller towns across America.
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Mellencamp's Image"Small Town" is part of the reason Mellencamp is often viewed as a champion of "the common man." He sings about real things that real people can relate to, which has led to his identity as something of a working-class hero in the music industry.
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Live Acoustic VersionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, John Mellencamp performed a live solo acoustic version of “Small Town” from his home, as part of a virtual fundraising event for the Biden-Harris presidential campaign.
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Citation
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"Small Town Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22774073/John+Mellencamp/Small+Town>.
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