Jerry Lee Lewis

Producer: Sam Phillips (Producer)

I live down in Shantytown where chicken's twenty cents a pound
And if you live on such solid ground whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
Whatcha doin' down in Shantytown

Well I'm back on your side of the tracks
Have come back for me to take you back
Back to your high society to your cocktails and your teas
I'll look up but don't look down cause we got pride in Shantytown

I live down in Shantytown where chicken's twenty cents a pound
And if you live on such solid ground whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
Whatcha doin' down in Shantytown

Behind the walls of your shackled heart beats pure
While the rich have a love to endure
Well is the gold in your crown turning black
Is there something here in Shantytown that keeps you coming back

I live down in Shantytown where chicken's twenty cents a pound
And if you live on such solid ground whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
Whatcha doin' down in Shantytown

Jerry Lee Lewis was a leading figure in the popularization of rock & roll during the 1950s. He was first signed to Sun Records in 1956 where he was labelmates with Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and other early rock artists. Of those musicians, however, he was the only piano player and combined with his heavy-handed playing style, sexually suggestive lyrics, and provocative stage antics he came to epitomize the rebelliousness of the genre.

He rose to international fame for his 1957 versions of the songs “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On.”

Lewis' popularity rapidly tumbled, however, when in 1958, when at the age of 22, he married his 13-year-old cousin. Though this scandal continued to tarnish his image, Lewis never retired from music. As of October 2015, he continues to perform live.

more tracks from the album

Jerry Lee Lewis and His Pumping Piano

From the album

Jerry Lee Lewis and His Pumping Piano (1974)

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Shanty TownJerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis and His Pumping Piano