S-Town, Chapter II S-Town
"S-Town, Chapter II - S-Town" is a narrative-driven piece that blends elements of storytelling with folk influences, reflecting on themes of identity, existentialism, and the complexities of small-town life. Released in 2017, the song explores the struggles and nuances of the protagonist's life, revealing deeper societal issues and personal dilemmas. Its unique musical elements include acoustic instrumentation and a conversational vocal style that enhances the lyrical depth. The song has contributed to the cultural discourse surrounding rural America and personal authenticity. #Folk
SARAH KOENIG:
Chapter II.
BRIAN REED:
In one of my first phone conversations with John, before we'd met, I asked him if he thought it was possible that maybe Kabrahm Burt hadn't killed anybody, if it was possible that the murder he'd contacted me about was actually just a rumor, a fiction. No, John said, there was little doubt in his mind that it was true. And then, by way of explanation, he launched into this parable.
JOHN B. McLEMORE:
Let me tell you something I saw one time.
BRIAN REED:
I should admit that at the time, this story was completely lost on me.
JOHN B. McLEMORE:
Me and Roger Price had went up to the truck stop together to get a little dinner. We came back by, and was passing by the South Forty trailer park. So Roger's one of these dudes, he's a darn transmission mechanic. He's not really talkative. He's a good dude, but he just—you know, he only has one tooth. And it's really amusing to see how he can balance a cigarette on that one tooth. And the whole time he's talking—
[LAUGHTER]
—this cigarette is just bouncing around all over that one tooth, and he never loses that son of a bitch. So we're coming by this "Welcome to South Forty" sign, and there's this girl out there walking around in front of the damn sign holding a cell phone, and she's got on a pink top and nothing else—no fucking panties, no goddamn socks, barefoot. And I remark that to Roger. I don't remember what I said. I probably said, "my God, look at her," or something like that. And Roger's sage advice was, usually when you see jokers that look like that, they done something to get like that.
BRIAN REED:
That's the lesson?
JOHN B. McLEMORE:
That went just straight through you.
BRIAN REED:
Like so many things having to do with John, it took me a long time to understand the meaning of this story—years. But I think I finally get it now. From Serial and This American Life, I'm Brian Reed. This is Shittown.
Chapter II.
BRIAN REED:
In one of my first phone conversations with John, before we'd met, I asked him if he thought it was possible that maybe Kabrahm Burt hadn't killed anybody, if it was possible that the murder he'd contacted me about was actually just a rumor, a fiction. No, John said, there was little doubt in his mind that it was true. And then, by way of explanation, he launched into this parable.
JOHN B. McLEMORE:
Let me tell you something I saw one time.
BRIAN REED:
I should admit that at the time, this story was completely lost on me.
JOHN B. McLEMORE:
Me and Roger Price had went up to the truck stop together to get a little dinner. We came back by, and was passing by the South Forty trailer park. So Roger's one of these dudes, he's a darn transmission mechanic. He's not really talkative. He's a good dude, but he just—you know, he only has one tooth. And it's really amusing to see how he can balance a cigarette on that one tooth. And the whole time he's talking—
[LAUGHTER]
—this cigarette is just bouncing around all over that one tooth, and he never loses that son of a bitch. So we're coming by this "Welcome to South Forty" sign, and there's this girl out there walking around in front of the damn sign holding a cell phone, and she's got on a pink top and nothing else—no fucking panties, no goddamn socks, barefoot. And I remark that to Roger. I don't remember what I said. I probably said, "my God, look at her," or something like that. And Roger's sage advice was, usually when you see jokers that look like that, they done something to get like that.
BRIAN REED:
That's the lesson?
JOHN B. McLEMORE:
That went just straight through you.
BRIAN REED:
Like so many things having to do with John, it took me a long time to understand the meaning of this story—years. But I think I finally get it now. From Serial and This American Life, I'm Brian Reed. This is Shittown.
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