Going down
Albert King & Freddie King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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
@israellamar
One of those songs that you wouldn't mind being 20 minutes longer.
@pompom7x728
Exactly 🤩🎼🌺🎸
@kevinohare3011
Exactly - saw him live Madison WI - '72 - '73 (capatol theatre ) WOW ! .. WOW ! bluès/rock n roll
@mopartron3030
@@kevinohare3011 I wish so badly Freddie was still around so I could see him live, I'm too young to have seen him in the 70s I wasn't born until 1991 lol
@diegocaruso6285
Greatest comment 👌
@willelniff1437
Right?! We all know there’s a studio master recording somewhere…calling all archive sleuths! FIND THIS!
@xzysyndrome
I am 47 years old. I have been around more than a few blocks...even slept in a a boxcar or two...2 weeks ago I heard this damn song for the first time...I have heard Freddie King before...but this? I am humbled. The older I get...the more I appreciate just how much good music I havent heard yet....You can spend the rest of your days on Earth...and never hear every good song ever written. The fact that they still come when you least expect them...that is what it is about.
@Poppafunkband
Good for you you found this one. .. one of the very 👌 best
@marcosmedrano3333
Nailed it brother
@rathert3
I'm 68 and grew up on Freddie. This cover of Don Nix, produced by Leon Russell, is his finest hour.