Lizzy McAlpine covers "Teenage Dirtbag"

Lizzy McAlpine's impeccable cover of three-time platinum 2000s classic, "Teenage Dirtbag"
written by Brendan B. Brown (Wheatus)
performed by Lizzy McAlpine lizzymcalpine.com/
/ lizzymcalpine
open.spotify.com/artist/1GmsP...
Producers: Lizzy McAlpine, Roger Brown, Beane, Liza Levy, Jennifer Roe
Engineer: Hope Brush
Assistant Engineers: Hannah Kacmarsky, Shade Tramp
Video director/producer: Joseph T. Spence
2nd Camera operator: Jordan Schultz
Theme music: Julia Gartha
Cover photo courtesy of last.fm
Filmed at Evergreen Studios in Burbank California on August 21, 2022.
Salt Lick Sessions are part of the Salt Lick Incubator, a nonprofit artist development organization supporting musicians in their creative journeys. To learn more or apply to appear on a session visit: www.saltlickincubator.org
Lyrics:
Her name is Noelle
I have a dream about her
She rings my bell
I got gym class in half an hour
Oh, how she rocks
In Keds and tube socks
But she doesn't know who I am
And she doesn't give a damn about me
'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Listen to Iron Maiden, baby, with me, ooh
Her boyfriend's a dick
And he brings a gun to school
And he'd simply kick
My ass if he knew the truth
He lives on my block
And he drives an IROC
But he doesn't know who I am
And he doesn't give a damn about me
'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Listen to Iron Maiden, baby, with me, ooh
Oh, yeah, dirtbag
No, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Oh, yeah, dirtbag
No, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Man, I feel like mold
It's prom night and I am lonely
Lo and behold
She's walkin' over to me
This must be fake
My lip starts to shake
How does she know who I am?
And why does she give a damn about me?
I've got two tickets to Iron Maiden, baby
Come with me Friday, don't say maybe
I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby, like you
Oh, yeah, dirtbag
No, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Oh, yeah, dirtbag
No, she doesn't know what she's missin'..

[@hannahchristini6155]

this woman needs so much more recognition. She’s so talented and has the most beautiful voice. It blows me away how quickly her voice range changes

[@jaakkorahkola2430]

I would not worry about that. She is soooo good.

[@rogerbrown9089]

don't worry, it's happening right now

[@dimitryivanov9778]

She's a little girl, not a woman yet.

[@tomreingold4024]

@@dimitryivanov9778 At 24 years old, she’s a woman.

[@davidesparon1487]

She’s already hanging out with Jacob Collier, John Mayer, Finneas Eilish…

[@laaber3444]

This version makes it feel like im listening to this story for the first time.

[@billbaldwin8074]

No one has her delicacy, pure sweet resonance, and phrasing. She’s so subtly incredibly good. Yeah, I love her.

[@poop8867]

kinda weird

[@allierayesinging]

love her too!!

[@Hitman-3315]

Phrasing? This is a cover.

[@FraserBernstein]

@@Hitman-3315 it's in reference to her choice of melody lines - she doesn't sing it note-for-note like the original. She puts in her own "phrasing" in terms of the way she sings the lines - 2:45 onwards is a good example. Completely different phrasing to Wheatus' version.

[@unshavenmarc]

I'd say that Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Samia, Indigo De Souza, Anais Mitchell, and a dozen others has her delicacy, pure sweet resonance, and phrasing. All of them are talented. All of them sound alike. Homogeny in music happens, and it's ok for you to like just this scoop of vanilla.

[@LilLWH]

She did this live opening for dodie and it was the moment I fell in love with her as an artist

[@lilliealicea8002]

ahh same here!

[@newbie105]

Mine was the yebba song Paranoia Purple, with scary products. I very hard song technically by a singer who is also an amazing singer and she pulled it off magnificently.

[@Crybaby-Media]

@@newbie105 I really was introduced to her through Jacob Collier and Scary pockets collabs . Very glad i was .

[@tararogers5704]

The best cover of Teenage Dirtbag I have ever heard. Nearly made me cry because it makes me miss being a kid so badly. Beautiful, and full of that youthful yearning.

[@ejness]

Tell me about it. It perfectly captured the feeling of reminiscing those times now that I'm older and enjoying listening to the song when I was a teenager.

[@jguitar151]

Listen to Dorian Electra and sega bodegas cover.

[@brianconlogue1302]

Not only the best over of this song but might be the best cover of any song I have heard.

[@blink3388]

I don’t normally tune into the lyrics of a song that well but hearing this version of the song really helped me to actually listen to what the story was. Super captivating cover!

[@borion7775]

I thought that exact same thing. I could really visualize it like it was practically a music video

[@Crybaby-Media]

Stories (on Spotify/apple music. a group? Or label? Kind of a collab project) features her a bunch, and they do a great job of setting the lyrics as Center stage in most of the covers. Lizzy does a “Dancing Queen” cover for them, and I’ve never heard it like that before . Somehow covers can sometimes make a song more discernible , or make lyrics more the focus . It’s interesting

[@seste87]

Same

[@jesiagustin4812]

this is prob the cleanest cover ive heard wtf

[@edd8460]

Lizzy can turn any song into her own version man, she got her own vibe and flavour like damn

[@Lili-ty8tu]

she is so unbelievably talented.

[@zchris87v80]

To pick this song to cover too, an obscure tune and she nailed it

[@SunnyJCR]

Wow. I was not expecting that much projection and resonance. I suddenly found myself enthralled. What a voice and presence.

[@drewgormley6933]

She popped out of the 70s watershed 50 years after

[@wonder7798]

Perfect explanation

[@tinadasat]

I've never thought that Teenage Dirtbag could make me cry. Thanks Lizzy ❤

[@ewiken5529]

100%

[@sammitchell1924]

you should listen to the scala and kolacny choir version if you liked this one

[@Emiltonin]

I saw her perform this live at a Dodie concert and it was absolutely amazing

[@daniellaytonmusic9865]

That change of the chords is impeccable

[@alexwebb6789]

I've heard this song too many times in my life. I clicked on this as a Lizzy fan, thinking I wouldn't listen to it through. I was wrong. Lizzy, you made an old tired song fresh again. Well done.

[@SpaceZombie]

The cadence/melody at @1:20 is just pure sunlight, beautiful

[@xicanttl]

For all the unsavory stuff there may be on KZbin, this proves that there is still plenty of heart out there. I love running up on young artists that amplify their heart and emotions using music as their medium. Thank you for being there!

[@saltlicksessions]

Right on. Thanks for listening, and for meeting this good energy with your own :)

[@roleypyolee91]

Thank you for not autotuning anything! The small quivers and slightly out of tune guitar string are PERFECT for this song - it captures the authenticity of both the cover and original.

[@hannahk.summerville5908]

Is it weird that I want this played at my wedding? I love it so much!!!

[@rogerbrown9089]

a little weird : )

[@spotifypremium0]

uughhhh i NEED this on spotify, im obsessed

[@jimmydriveway]

That was impressive. Awesome phrasing, transition to head voice seamless, great arrangement. This moved me.

[@mrreecerichards]

The way she sings makes me understand the words more

[@Jerrywood111]

i thought "why would anyone cover this solo" and then she absolutely blew me away. holy moly what a great performance

[@82zmam]

Congrats to Salt Lick Sessions for capturing a moment that encapsulates everything Lizzy. Lizzy’s vocal phrasings and textures give her a musical palette capable of penetrating the deepest parts of everything that makes us human.

[@saltlicksessions]

Thanks, Charlie. We hope to be part of what helps Lizzy's music reach everyone who can hear what you hear 🌟

[@todd_horne]

What an incredibly accurate comment! Nailed it!

[@drumitri]

I actually love this version more than the original....and I really love the original. Well done miss!! Love it!!

[@Crybaby-Media]

She is quickly becoming one of my favourite artists . I love everything i hear from her .

[@alikaandrade3435]

I will never NOT comment about how much I love her voice. She’s just incredible.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

So much feeling, story in only 3:22 .... Beautiful job Lizzy & the Salt Lick Sessions!

[@saltlicksessions]

❣️

[@natebanks]

God her voice is transcendent

[@michaelclark7924]

beautiful chord run @1:47 wow

[@abeharhar]

Reminds me of Phoebe Bridgers' cover of the song, hope they collab in the future!!!

[@jonathangriffith6949]

This is unbelievable. A miracle of a cover.

[@emmacarroll12]

this cover hasn’t left my head since I heard it in march… thank you lizzy 💛

[@White-Rino]

Hands down best cover of this song I've ever heard....

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Holy f&*k, I’ve never heard this song or artist before and I’m blown away ! This song encapsulates so much of the teen experience in small town lower income America , it’s heart wrenching. What a beautiful tormented version, simply stunning.

[@caseyflanagan3798]

I came back to watch it again. I love it.

[@diegoist3]

One more thought. It takes a sensitive heart to see the beauty of a something beyond its appearance. That is the meaning of the song, and also what Lizzy did with it. Awesome.

[@acousticsoundz1985]

There is something about this cover that jumps further back in time than the year the original song came out. A beautiful version of the song. Timing, nuance and raw talent but for some reason I feel like she has Joni Mitchell's hand on her shoulder

[@ryantracy5863]

This young lady is the finest singer out there. Incredible tone and control.

[@pjextra2430]

chills, how does she make it so heartfelt and emotional.

[@caseyflanagan3798]

That was gorgeous and moving. Her expression was so ringing. The perfect mic set-up added to the perfection. I really loved that.

[@luisaboos2752]

This is what I’ll be showing my vocal coach so she can pleaaase please help me to someday sound remotely like her. In my ears thats perfection. Very beautiful thank you so much for this treat!

[@madelinwysocky9923]

I heard her sing this live when I saw her open for Dodie in february 🥺 lizzy is truly so talented 😭

[@aaronbarnes4761]

Which show?? I saw her in NY and don't remember this, but we did get to sing pancakes for dinner for her as she started stumbling over the words which was such an amazing moment.

[@madelinwysocky9923]

@@aaronbarnes4761 she sang it when she was on tour with Dodie as her opening act. I saw her open for Dodie in Nashville in February 2022 :-)

[@Journeymanlive]

jeez lucky you! she's amazing specially with just her with a guitar. @@madelinwysocky9923

[@ijustwanttosay9369]

Oh my god. This made me tear up. I never would have thought I could actually cry at that song. THIS RENDITION WAS SO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you thank you for making it and putting it up here for us. 💖

[@bobmorphis7114]

Thanks, Lizzy! This is the first time I have really CONNECTED with this song, and your artistry is what made that happen!

[@SethBeamerMusic]

Killer mix, killer performance. Love those passing chords.

[@billbaldwin3564]

I love her so much! She’s so lovely and talented. Her beautiful voice and her understanding of human emotions and the essential importance of love has enriched and informed my life. She’s an absolute treasure to this world.

[@cycleish]

Wow! More please!!

[@erinmccall2255]

Her voice is effortless!

[@sailfast2005]

You have my musical heart, Lizzy. Amazing.

[@chasewhitney]

The most perfect cover. Of any song. Ever.

[@jaymabry1277]

I heard this live a while back it's amazing

[@StrWrsMissStressS666]

Wow… just gave a whole new meaning to the song (which is amazing in itself) and she made it her own. Ffs!!!❤. Absolutely gorgeous!!

[@ghostie7790]

😭😭😭didn’t know it was possible to assign new meaning to classic songs like this!

[@george8920]

Just WOW - What a singer !! - what a TALENT !!!!! - absolutley floored by this amazing and real human being !

[@lawrenceroos3619]

Find myself listening to this quite often. Appreciate you lizzy ✌🏼

[@imthefunmom7220]

I'll be 40 this year and this was my theme song back in high school 1999-2002 ..... Thank you for the memory

[@kevinfernando]

Lizzy can make me love any song.

[@wonderingthoughts926]

I’m 33 now, and I occasionally listen to the original of this on a long drive and remember my teenage years fondly. This version is absolutely amazing and has taken me right back to riding my bike home from the skate park, probably thinking about whatever chick I had a crush on that day and racing home before I got into shit. Simple times, never to be forgotten

[@leftoversushi]

I discovered this cover a couple weeks ago and have now listened to it 400 times

[@mattsmithsongs]

This is awesome! I used to love this album. Beautiful voice.

[@tylerpalmer8973]

What a cool cover! So well sung and played. Beautiful.

[@robinleckey]

Ever since hearing her live @ Red Rocks, been obsessed with her voice, amazing cover!!

[@kampbelleyoung9410]

I've watched this so many times

[@jasonboltz8255]

Lizzy, you have one of the greatest voices I've ever heard. Wishing you serenity and joy as you race to the stars. Congrats!!

[@HappyNBoy]

God, no one gives me chills like Lizzy.

[@ejness]

Never knew I needed this version of this song till now. Love it.

[@aiylaaftabk]

i listen to this a least 20 times a week

[@onyandria9185]

Effortlessly. She did it effortlessly

[@madiroach4193]

Love this!!!👏🏻

[@dervishcapkiner6679]

I was absolutely not ready for how touching her voice is.

[@nghtfall]

This gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it

[@carlhewitt7460]

Still blown away by this

[@devayani017]

Whenever i hear her voice my mind unravels to its own self..💭

[@saltlicksessions]

Beautifully expressed ✨

[@brianconlogue1302]

This seriously might be the best cover of any song I have ever heard. The way you sang this song only added to the original meaning. When I hear this song it has always been special and reminds me of the days I was in middle school, but they way you sang it made me break down in tears. Thank you.❤

[@vtcelt]

This should already have a million likes

[@HarshChawla23]

Please share on music streaming platforms too if possible 🥺❤️❤️

[@danwoodvine5900]

I love this song and this sounds nice as a rendition.

[@user-mb8cv6lp1m]

I listen to this everyday thank you for your beautiful voice.

[@PeterMarinari]

I have always loved this song, but I was skeptical anyone could make it worth hearting with a single acoustic guitar cover. I'm so happy to have been proven wrong and to have discovered Lizzy McAlpine! There are so many phenomenal choices of chord voicings and vocal phrasings here I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll have to listen to it again!

[@jasoncampbell3167]

OMG what a voice!!!!!❤❤❤

[@Lena.943]

Her voice is so angelic 🤍

[@r.figueroa]

Love Lizzy Love this song Love everything about this 😭❤️

[@screendorpicturesvideo8771]

Sublime. Lovely. Beautiful.

[@brokenrat2176]

Wow, tears in my eyes.. ❤

[@shalevcohen24]

How did I just know find this??? As always lizzy SLAYS

[@mariacarmelazailaoro6003]

Im literally, asking for someone to cover this 😭 and you did more than enough 💋🤍

[@sudhindrakopalle7071]

Beautifully done!

[@ruhamahandrews4194]

Absolutely stunning!!💕💕💕💕

[@chrisboston1563]

By far the best cover.

[@thehe2546]

Love the guitar work and harmonies!

[@averyschaar9375]

I’m in love with this woman fr

[@GabbyTeAma]

the best vocals I've heard all week, and it's a Friday ;)

[@atruefaith6498]

Just stumbled across Lizzy McAlpine and my world is forever changed. Her voice reminds me of Suzanne Vega, but purer.

[@Jessica.Ann.]

i fuckin love heeeeerrr. she should be everywhere for real 🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@chamberfield1]

Outstanding!

[@SuperSuperdude88]

this song was always so much fun

[@Clearlight201]

Flippin eck, she is so good. Lizzy can make any song just amazing!

[@stefanyrodriguez422]

absolutely breathtaking

[@bernardhossmoto]

Lizzy's got the best vocal dynamics ever!

[@gulrotkake]

Man, I would love a tab of this, or even a video that focused on her hands. What a great rendition!