In A Shanty In Old Shanty Town
Somethin' Smith & The Redheads Lyrics
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But I'd give the world to be where I used to be,
A heavenly nest,
Where I rest the best,
Means more than the world to me.
It's only a shanty
In old Shanty Town
But my tumbled down shack by an old railroad track,
Like a millionaire's mansion is calling me back.
I'd give up a palace if I were a king.
It's more than a palace, it's my everything.
There's a queen waiting there with a silvery crown
In a shanty in old Shanty Town.
The lyrics to the song "In A Shanty In Old Shanty Town" describe a nostalgic sentimentality for a simpler time and place. The singer is acknowledging that even though they may be "up in the world," they still long for the comfort and familiarity of their old home. They describe their old dwelling as a "heavenly nest" and stress that it means more to them than anything material they may have acquired since then. The singer is drawn back to their old shanty, even though it is far from luxurious, because it represents a kind of humble, authentic existence that they cherish.
The singer emphasizes the dilapidated nature of their old shanty, with its slanted roof and proximity to the railroad track. Yet despite its roughness, they characterize it as a "millionaire's mansion" because it holds sentimental value to them. They even say they would give up a palace, if they had one, in exchange for their old shanty. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer referencing a queen waiting for them in their old shanty, suggesting that they hope to return home to be with loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm up in the world,
I have achieved success and recognition in life.
But I'd give the world to be where I used to be,
Despite my achievements, I long to return to a simpler, happier time in the past.
A heavenly nest,
A place of comfort, safety, and contentment.
Where I rest the best,
Where I feel most comfortable and at ease.
Means more than the world to me.
This place is the most valuable and important thing in my life.
It's only a shanty
This place is not fancy, grand, or impressive.
In old Shanty Town
Located in a poor and run-down area of town.
The roof is so slanty it touches the ground.
The building is in a state of disrepair and deterioration.
But my tumbled down shack by an old railroad track,
Despite its poor condition, this place holds sentimental value for me.
Like a millionaire's mansion is calling me back.
The emotional connection to this place is so strong that it feels like a luxurious mansion to me.
I'd give up a palace if I were a king.
Even if I were royalty and had access to opulent accommodations, I would still choose this simple dwelling.
It's more than a palace, it's my everything.
This place holds more value to me than any materially lavish dwelling ever could.
There's a queen waiting there with a silvery crown
The person or people at this place hold great importance and are highly regarded by me.
In a shanty in old Shanty Town.
Despite its humble exterior, this place is where my heart lies and where I find my true happiness and contentment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Schuster, Joe Young, Jack Little
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@suresoundslikegeneautrywan7429
I love this old song !
@darrylcpreston4043
The "swingin' lad" had it so good in 1956! Tiny GI loan, only slightly intolerant neighbors, and no unaffordable medical work coming up.