After a short marriage which ended in 1992, Griffin began playing in Boston coffee houses and was scouted by A&M Records who signed Griffin on the strength of her demo tape. This resulted in her debut album Living With Ghosts -- a set of demos featuring only Ms. Griffin and her guitar -- which garnered critical acclaim in 1996. Her sophomore album, Flaming Red, demonstrated a more rocking, full-band sound. The ill-fated Silver Bell album was never released by her record label, however, and the label terminated her recording contract shortly after that. Many of the songs from Silver Bell were re-recorded for subsequent albums.
After switching to ATO Records Griffin brought out three albums in rapid succession: 1000 Kisses and Impossible Dream, which were both nominated for Grammy awards, and A Kiss in Time, a well-received live album. In March 2007, she released Children Running Through to great critical acclaim.
She has penned a wide variety of songs - Long Ride Home, Top of the World, Tony, Forgiveness, Chief, Mad Mission--that touch her listeners deeply. A number of high profile artists have covered Patty's songs, including the Dixie Chicks, Bette Midler, Emmylou Harris, The Wreckers, Solomon Burke and pop star Kelly Clarkson; these have brought her exposure in the more mainstream pop and country worlds outside of folk music circles. Upon hearing Solomon Burke's cover of one of her tunes, she said she almost didn't feel worthy of singing it anymore.
Following her collaboration with Mavis Staples on a tune for a compilation album Peter York, suggested Griffin make an album of gospel songs. Griffin agreed on the condition that Buddy Miller, a friend and bandmate, produced the record. Downtown Church was recorded at the Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville with a 2010 release date. The album features long-time friends Buddy and Julie Miller, as well as Shawn Colvin and Emmylou Harris. It also includes songs by Hank Williams, Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, and "All Creatures of Our God and King," a song accredited to St. Francis of Assisi.
Griffin featured on Robert Plant's solo album, Band of Joy, which was released in September 2010
Griffin's album American Kid was released on May 7, 2013
Dirty Old Town
Patty Griffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dreamed a dream by the old canal
Kissed my girl by the factory wall
Dirty old town, dirty old town
I heard a siren from the dock
Saw a train set the night on fire
Smelled the spring on the sulfured wind
We're goin' to take a good sharp axe
Shining steel tempered in the fire
And we'll chop you down like an old dead tree
Dirty old town, dirty old town
Dirty old town, whoa-oh, dirty old town
And oh we'll chop you down
Oh, dirty, dirty, dirty old town
Dirty old town, dirty old town
And oh whoa-oh dirty old town
Chop you down one of these days
The song Dirty Old Town by Patty Griffin is a cover of an old folk song originally written by Ewan MacColl. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a grimy, industrial town and the memories associated with it. The first verse speaks of finding love in an unlikely place, by the gaswork croft. The second verse brings to mind a train setting the night on fire and the smell of spring mixed with the sulfured wind. The chorus repeats the phrase "dirty old town," emphasizing the bleakness of the setting.
The final verse takes a shift in tone, with talk of a sharp axe and chopping down the old town. This could be seen as a metaphorical way of expressing the desire to escape the town's grime and start anew. The repeating "oh whoa-oh dirty old town" at the end of the song adds a haunting quality, as if the town's memories will linger on.
Overall, the song is a powerful and nostalgic homage to the complexities of urban life. While the town in question may be "dirty," it also holds a special place in the singer's heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Found my love by the gaswork croft
I met my lover while wandering around the industrial area by the gaswork yard.
Dreamed a dream by the old canal
I had a vision of a dream while resting at the old canal.
Kissed my girl by the factory wall
I shared a passionate kiss with my lover next to the factory wall.
Dirty old town, dirty old town
The town may be dirty and run-down, but it's still where we live and love.
I heard a siren from the dock
The sound of an alarm from the nearby dock caught my attention.
Saw a train set the night on fire
A train passing by lit up the dark night sky and captured my imagination.
Smelled the spring on the sulfured wind
The scent of spring was carried by the wind, mixed with the sulfuric smell of industrial pollution.
Dirty old town, whoa-oh, dirty old town
Despite its flaws and hardships, the town holds a special place in my heart.
We're goin' to take a good sharp axe
We're taking aggressive action to rid the town of its problems.
Shining steel tempered in the fire
Our determination and strength are being strengthened and sharpened like a strong steel blade.
And we'll chop you down like an old dead tree
We will get rid of the negative aspects of the town that hinder its growth and success.
Dirty old town, whoa-oh, dirty old town
The town may be rough around the edges, but it still has its charm and beauty.
Dirty old town, dirty old town
The town, despite its imperfections, remains familiar and comfortable to those who call it home.
And oh whoa-oh dirty old town
Despite its dirtiness and problems, the town still has a unique quality that sets it apart from others.
Chop you down one of these days
We will overcome the town's issues and emerge better and stronger in the future.
Contributed by Cameron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alex Hickey
Hard to believe these recordings are over 40 years old and still better than the modern "music" we have. Hard to believe Luke is dead when you hear the life and energy he put into songs
Bobby Edge
So true. He is cherished and will always be remembered in our hearts.
Cillian Kenny
Fantastic tune I like it . Jack my friend is on his way to school and listening to Dubliners at break time.
Maria Pia Oliver
Only God must have you this magnificent voice Luke
Ryan Campbell
my favorite drunk song to sing at the bar
Jaden Toeniskoetter
Why must the Dubliners be gone?
Arina Anjong
Best MUSIC EVER
Tadhg O’Connor
Lovely 🇮🇪❤️
randomserb
So it is
Zenhael Cero
@ Jaden: Because to all great things must come an end.