Going Down
Albert King & Freddie King Lyrics


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I'm going down
I'm going, down, down, down, down, down
Yes, I'm going down, yes
I'm going down, down, down, down, down
Yes, I've got my feet in the window
Got my head on the ground

Let me down
And close that box car door
Yes, let me down
And close that box car door
Well, I'm goin' back to Chattanooga
And sleep on sister Irene's door

Yes, I'm going down
I'm going, down, down, down, down, down
I'm going down
I'm going down, down, down, down, down




Yes, I've got my feet in the window
Got my head on the ground

Overall Meaning

The song "Going Down" by Albert King & Freddie King is a classic blues tune that deals with the struggles of life and the inevitable decline that we all face. The song starts off with the repeated line "I'm going down", which serves as a declaration of the singer's state of mind. The repetition of the line quite literally emphasizes the downward trajectory of the singer's life. The second line repeats the first with the addition of the word "yes". This addition accentuates the determination of the singer in facing his hardships.


The imagery used in the song is quite vivid, with the singer stating "I've got my feet in the window, got my head on the ground". This line speaks to the depth of frustration and despair that he feels, and his utter inability to pull himself up from that state. The metaphor of a railway car is used in the next verse, with the singer asking to be let down and have the boxcar door closed. This is a clear reference to the feeling of being trapped and unable to escape his situation.


The lyrics then take a slightly more hopeful turn, with the singer stating that he is going back to Chattanooga to sleep on Sister Irene's door. This line implies that he has a safe haven to go to, and is seeking to find solace there. The song ends as it began, repeating the line "I'm going down" twice more, with the same rhythm and vocal delivery as before.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm going down
I am feeling low and defeated


I'm going, down, down, down, down, down
My state of mind is getting progressively worse


Yes, I'm going down, yes
I am definitely headed towards rock bottom


I'm going down, down, down, down, down
I can feel myself spiraling downward


Yes, I've got my feet in the window
My life is so out of control, I feel as if I'm hanging out the window of a moving car


Got my head on the ground
My self-esteem is so low, I'm burying my face in the dirt


Let me down
I'm asking for help to get out of this downward spiral


And close that box car door
I need to be cut off from this negative situation


Yes, let me down
I really need to get out of here


And close that box car door
I'm pleading for someone to help me shut down this negativity


Well, I'm goin' back to Chattanooga
I am going to return to a place where I know I will be safe


And sleep on sister Irene's door
I am seeking comfort and familiarity from the people who care about me




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Don Nix

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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