The Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Down Low
Ernie Isley Lyrics
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Yet you're tellin' me that everything is cool
Tryin' to convince me baby to do as you say
Just go along and see things your way
And keep it on the down low, whispering nobody has to know (nobody, nobody)
We can keep it on the down low (yeah), whispering nobody has to know (nobody knows)
While making love to him, girl you're silently calling on me
What is a man to do in a situation like this? (I don't know, I don't know)
I feel there is something that I don't wanna miss (yeah)
And keep it on the down low(down low), girl nobody, nobody has to know
We can keep it on the down low (you better keep it, keep it), nobody has to know (nobody knows)
Beautiful you are but you're his by far
Comin' by my way drivin' his fancy car
Making plans to be in my life forever
Tell me, tell me that we'll always be together
And keep it on the down low, nobody has to know (no, no)
We can keep it on the down low (on the down low), nobody has to know (nobody has to know)
Listen babe I won't whisper a word
Nobody, nobody
How can you go so low so low
Keep it on the down low
No, no, no nobody nobody nobody
Keep it on the down low
On the down low baby
Nobody has to know
Ernie Isley’s “Down Low” is a song about a secret love affair between two people who are already committed to different partners. The lyrics describe the desire to keep their relationship a secret and to continue their infidelity in the shadows, where nobody else can find out about it. The first verse outlines the situation: the girl wants the singer, but is also in a relationship with someone else. She tells him everything is fine and tries to convince him to go along with her plans. The chorus expresses the desire to keep the relationship a secret, so that nobody else knows about it. The second verse describes the girl’s behavior: while she’s making love to her current partner, she’s silently thinking about the singer. The singer is unsure of what to do, but knows he doesn’t want to miss out on the girl. The third verse talks about the girl’s commitment to her current partner, but also hints at the possibility of a future together. The song ends with a plea to keep the secret safe and not to tell anyone about the affair.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen girl, you want me but he needs you
You desire me, but he relies on you.
Yet you're tellin' me that everything is cool
You say we're alright, but you're lying.
Tryin' to convince me baby to do as you say
You're attempting to persuade me to follow your lead.
Just go along and see things your way
You want me to agree with you and your decision.
And keep it on the down low, whispering nobody has to know (nobody, nobody)
Let's keep our relationship a secret and not tell anyone (nobody).
We can keep it on the down low (yeah), whispering nobody has to know (nobody knows)
We can maintain a concealed relationship, and nobody (nobody knows) has to find out.
Secret lovers is what you wanna be (yeah)
You want us to have a relationship that nobody knows about or sees.
While making love to him, girl you're silently calling on me
You're having an affair and thinking of me while making love to him.
What is a man to do in a situation like this? (I don't know, I don't know)
I'm confused and unsure of how to handle this type of situation.
I feel there is something that I don't wanna miss (yeah)
I believe there is an opportunity that I do not want to miss out on and regret later.
And keep it on the down low(down low), girl nobody, nobody has to know
We should keep our relationship hidden from everyone else (nobody knows).
We can keep it on the down low (you better keep it, keep it), nobody has to know (nobody knows)
Let's conceal our relationship (keep it) and not tell anyone (nobody knows).
Beautiful you are but you're his by far
You're stunning but belong to him exclusively.
Comin' by my way drivin' his fancy car
You visit me in his luxurious car.
Making plans to be in my life forever
You want to be a long-term part of my life.
Tell me, tell me that we'll always be together
Assure me that we will always be in a relationship together.
And keep it on the down low, nobody has to know (no, no)
Let's keep our relationship a secret from everyone (nobody knows).
We can keep it on the down low (on the down low), nobody has to know (nobody has to know)
We can conceal our relationship (on the down low), and nobody (nobody has to know) has to find out.
Listen babe I won't whisper a word, nobody, nobody
I promise not to reveal our relationship to anyone (nobody).
How can you go so low so low
You're risking your current relationship by having an affair with me.
Keep it on the down low
Do not tell anyone about our secret relationship.
No, no, no nobody nobody nobody
Absolutely no one can know about us.
Keep it on the down low
Let's maintain our relationship a secret.
On the down low baby
Let's keep things between us confidentially.
Nobody has to know
We can hide our relationship from everyone else and not tell a soul.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Robert S. Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind