Uploaded August 2016 | Updated September 2026, 44 minutes ago
"Dirty Water", by L.A., Calif. garage rock band The Standells, debuted in 1966 peaking at #8 on the Cash Box chart, and #11 on the Billboard singles chart. Even though the group didn't like the song, it was the band's first major hit that is a mocking homage to the city of Boston and its then-famously polluted Boston Harbor and Charles River. It is reportedly based on the experiences of Ed Cobb, the writer of the song, and the band's producer, in Boston in the mid-1960's. The Stonesy-like song makes reference to the infamous Boston Strangler, and other local items of interest. "Dirty Water" is listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll." The song has since become the anthem of several Boston sports teams and is played following every Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics win. The Standells band name was derived from standing around booking agents' offices trying to get work.
"Dirty Water", by L.A., Calif. garage rock band The Standells, debuted in 1966 peaking at #8 on the Cash Box chart, and #11 on the Billboard singles chart. Even though the group didn't like the song, it was the band's first major hit that is a mocking homage to the city of Boston and its then-famously polluted Boston Harbor and Charles River. It is reportedly based on the experiences of Ed Cobb, the writer of the song, and the band's producer, in Boston in the mid-1960's. The Stonesy-like song makes reference to the infamous Boston Strangler, and other local items of interest. "Dirty Water" is listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll." The song has since become the anthem of several Boston sports teams and is played following every Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics win. The Standells band name was derived from standing around booking agents' offices trying to get work.
