Going Down
Darrell Mansfield Lyrics


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Yes, going down down down
yes I'm going down, down, down
Down, down down
Yes, I've got my feet in the window
my head is 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

Hey! (Solo)

Yes, going down down down
yes I'm going down, down, down
Down, down down
Yes, I've got my feet in the window
my head is on the ground
Yeah I'm down!

Yes, I've got my feet in the window




my head is on the ground
Yeah I'm down!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Darrell Mansfield's song 'Going Down' bear the mark of a classic blues song. The song is about being down and out, experiencing a kind of misfortune that has left the singer with his feet in the window and his head on the ground. The lyrics 'going down down down' and 'down, down down' are repeated multiple times, emphasizing the hopelessness and despair of the situation. The tone of the song is melancholy and the singer appears to be resigned to his fate.


The singer calls out to be let down and for the box car door to be closed as he's going back to Chattanooga to sleep on Sister Irene's door. This implies that the singer is homeless and doesn't have a place to stay. The line 'sleep on Sister Irene's door' could also indicate that he hopes for charity from Sister Irene or that she can offer him a place to stay.


The song portrays a sense of hopelessness but the music is incredibly upbeat, bringing a sense of energy and life to the lyrics. In essence, the song speaks to the idea that even when things are down, there is a way to keep going, to keep pushing forward. Ultimately, 'Going Down' is a simple yet powerful song that encapsulates the essence of blues music and the spirit of perseverance that it represents.


Line by Line Meaning

Yes, going down down down
Acknowledging that I am going down on a spiritual and emotional level.


yes I'm going down, down, down
Admitting that I am indeed going down on a steep decline.


Down, down down
Reiterating the fact that I am spiraling down rapidly.


Yes, I've got my feet in the window
I've lost control of my life and I am on the verge of falling completely outside of it.


my head is on the ground
My mind is clouded and I am completely unaware of my surroundings.


Let me down
I am calling out for help and asking for someone to intervene in my downward trajectory.


And close that box car door
I need to be removed from the toxic environment that has contributed to my downfall.


Well, I'm goin' back to Chattanooga
I am trying to return to a simpler, happier time in my life.


And sleep on sister Irene's door
I am seeking comfort and refuge with a supportive figure.


Yes, going down down down
Repeating my acknowledgement and acceptance of my dire situation.


Yes, I've got my feet in the window
Reiterating that I am teetering on the edge of complete detachment from my current situation.


my head is on the ground
My mind is clouded and I am disoriented.


Yeah I'm down!
Asserting that I am indeed down, and I need help to pick myself up.




Contributed by Mila G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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