One of the best known American power pop bands, the group's biggest hits over the years include "I Want You to Want Me", "Surrender", "Dream Police", "Don't Be Cruel" (a cover of Elvis Presley's hit), and "The Flame". Their most recent release, The Latest, has gained critical acclaim. They also wrote and performed the theme song for "The Colbert Report" as well as "That 70s Show", both tunes being fan favorites.
Nielsen and Petersson originally formed the group as Fuse in 1967, with Carlos joining the group several years later; however, when Zander joined as vocalist in 1972, the group was renamed Cheap Trick. Zander is considered one of the best hard rock vocalists of his era. For their part, Tom Petersson has been known for playing custom made 8, 12, and even a 18 string custom bass made by Modulus for Tom in 1981 and Rick Nielsen also has a penchant for unusual instruments. He owns and plays a five-necked solidbody electric guitar (it can be seen in the video for the song "She's Tight" among others).
Studio Albums
(1977) Cheap Trick [a.k.a Cheap Trick (1997)]
(1977) In Color
(1978) Heaven Tonight
(1979) Dream Police
(1980) All Shook Up
(1980) Found All The Parts
(1982) One on One
(1983) Next Position Please
(1985) Standing on the Edge
(1986) The Doctor
(1988) Lap of Luxury
(1990) Busted
(1994) Woke Up With A Monster
(1997) Cheap Trick [a.k.a Cheap Trick (1997)]
(2003) Special One
(2006) Rockford
(2009) The Latest
(2016) Bang, Zoom, Crazy...Hello
(2017) We're All Alright!
(2021) In Another World
[Live Albums]
(1978) At Budokan
(1978) Budokan II
(1998) At Budokan: the Complete Concert
(1999) Music for Hangovers
(2001) Silver
Downed
Cheap Trick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'round, 'round out of my head
I'm gonna live on a mountain
Way down under in Australia
It's either that or suicide
It's such a strange strain on you
Oh, i got a mind
Oh, i got a mind
Rainbow's crawling on a midday sun
But i've been lucky you're the only one
Sunday's calling, you'll be number one
It's such a strange strain on you
Oh, you think of Jesus Christ
You walk on water but don't bet your life, oh no
All you walk is a fine line
It's such a strange strain on you
Downed, downed out of my head
'round, 'round out of my head
Too many people want to save the world
Another problem is it a boy or girl
Some say the weekend is the only world
It's such a strange strain on you
Oh, i've got a mind
Over you it's not the first time
All you walk is a fine line
It's such a strange strain on you
Downed, downed out of my head
'round, 'round out of my head
Downed, downed out of my head
'round, 'round out of my head
The lyrics to Cheap Trick's "Downed" suggest a feeling of being lost or disoriented. The lines "Downed, downed out of my head / 'round, 'round out of my head" seem to express a feeling of being so consumed by one's own thoughts that it becomes difficult to get out of them. The lyrics then go on to describe a desire to escape, either by moving to a remote location in Australia or through the ultimate escape of suicide. The line "It's such a strange strain on you" suggests that the pressure of feeling lost and disoriented is taking a toll on the singer.
The lyrics then shift focus to the idea that everyone is dealing with their own problems. The lines "Too many people want to save the world / Another problem is it a boy or girl" suggest that while people may want to solve big issues like world hunger or gender inequality, they cannot ignore the smaller problems in their own lives. The line "All you walk is a fine line" suggests that it can be difficult to balance one's own needs with the needs of others.
The lyrics utilize vivid imagery, such as "Rainbow's crawling on a midday sun," to create a dreamlike or surreal atmosphere. The song features a driving beat and catchy melody that is typical of Cheap Trick's power-pop sound.
Line by Line Meaning
Downed, downed out of my head
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to function properly
'round, 'round out of my head
Unable to stop replaying the same thoughts over and over
I'm gonna live on a mountain
Considering drastic measures to escape overwhelming thoughts
Way down under in Australia
Willing to go to great lengths to escape these thoughts
It's either that or suicide
Feeling like there are only two options: escape or death
It's such a strange strain on you
This constant state of mind is causing a lot of stress and anxiety
Oh, i got a mind
Aware of the fact that these thoughts are coming from within oneself
Over you it's not the first time
Has experienced these overwhelming thoughts before
Rainbow's crawling on a midday sun
Despite the beauty in the world, these thoughts make it hard to appreciate
But i've been lucky you're the only one
Grateful to have someone supportive during this difficult time
Sunday's calling, you'll be number one
Making time for things that matter, like relationships and self-care
Oh, you think of Jesus Christ
Feeling like you need divine intervention to get through this
You walk on water but don't bet your life, oh no
Despite having faith, not willing to risk everything on it
All you walk is a fine line
Balancing between hope and despair, trying not to fall into the latter
Too many people want to save the world
Feeling overwhelmed by the world's problems and the expectation to solve them
Another problem is it a boy or girl
In the grand scheme of things, gender doesn't matter, but still a concern
Some say the weekend is the only world
Trying to find solace in moments of rest and enjoyment
Lyrics Š Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICK NIELSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TedDiabetes
One of the greatest Cheap Trick songs no one ever talks about.
@greensombrero3641
it's one of my favorite songs ever
@doubleundersdesign8535
I can't decide which of theirs is my top but this is up among the ones fighting for the top for sure!
@gottadomor7438
I just fell in love w/ this thing - again (after decades not listening to.)
@jimmyvelez324
My new band just started this track. Great feel. Thank you CHEAP TRICK!!
@purplepimple2610
Today I listened to this and come on come on repeatedly
@thecoug1544
What an underrated song. And Zander the most underrated vocalist in music history. This concert made music history. I love it
@glueforall
Ricks backup vocals don't get enough credit. Hes so accurate, and lovely high harmonies. Maybe its so overshadowed by his guitar antics and over the top stage presence. Either way, Ricks a unique individual.
@gregmartinez8329
Their most underrated song
@estimatingdepartment7644
you meant to say album