Released on August 4, 1992, 'New Miserable Experience' proved a sonic contrast to the grunge and aggressive hard rock inspired music in vogue at the time. It became a strong commercial success, reaching the #1 spot on Billboard's Heatseekers chart. Aforementioned hits "Found Out About You" and "Hey Jealousy" were top 40 smashes on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, still getting consistent radio airplay as the years went on.
Though blessed with songwriting talent, Hopkins struggled both with addiction and with major depression. Sadly, Hopkins committed suicide in December of 1993. The band continued without him and achieved more major success, their power pop inspired, emotional lyrics becoming a precursor to later adult alternative groups of the late 90s and 00s. Still, they experienced more line-up changes, as Rhodes left the band shortly after their 2002 reunion (returning for a brief period in 2005). Currently the band does not have a permanent drummer.
They took their name from a photo of W.C. Fields which bore the caption "W.C. Fields with gin blossoms," referring to the actor's gin-ravaged nose. The band, who were musically weaned on rock artists such as The Byrds and Tom Petty, released three albums and had several hits in the mid-90s before breaking up in 1997. Five years later in 2002, the band reunited, released a DVD, resumed touring, and promised a fourth album.
Titled 'Major Lodge Victory', the Gin Blossoms' first album in ten years was released on August 8, 2006 on the Hybrid Recordings label. They have done much well-received touring since then. For example, the group joined Everclear, Sugar Ray, Lit and Marcy Playground on the 'Summerland Tour 2012', a 31-date nationwide tour that began on June 28, 2012, in Saratoga, California, and ended on August 11, 2012, in Laughlin, Nevada. The band later released 'No Chocolate Cake' on September 28, 2010; and 'Mixed Reality' on June 15, 2018.
Follow You Down
Gin Blossoms Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I think it means that we've been lost
Maybe one last time is all we need
I can't really help it
If my tongue's all tied in knots
Jumping off a bridge is just the farthest
That I've ever been
Any place but those I know by heart
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
I'll follow you down, but not that far
I know we're headed somewhere
I can see how far we've come
But still I can't remember anything
Let's not do the wrong thing
And I'll swear it might be fun
It's a long way down
When all the knots we've tied have come undone
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
Any place but those I know by heart
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
I'll follow you down, but not that far
How you gonna ever find your place
Running an artificial pace?
Are they gonna find us lying face down in the sand
So what the hell? Now we've already been forever damned
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
I'll follow you down, but not that far
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
Any place but those I know by heart
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
I'll follow you down, but not that far (follow you down)
I'll follow you down, but not that far (follow you down)
The chorus of Gin Blossoms’ “Follow You Down” is an expression of loyalty and devotion, as the singer promises to accompany his partner anywhere they go. The opening verse, however, illuminates a sense of disorientation and confusion, as the singer contemplates the meaning of a sky that seems to signify their being lost, trapped in a repetitive cycle of confusion and searching. Though a single, final chance may be all that’s needed, the singer seems incapable of providing much assistance, their own tongue so knotted up that it’s hard to communicate.
As the song progresses, the singer expresses a hope for something beyond confusion and treading water, a sense that they’re moving somewhere, even if they’re not quite sure where that is. This sense of forward momentum helps to frame the singer’s decision to stay devoted to their partner, even if it means diving into the unknown. They’re willing to follow – but not to the point where they lose themselves entirely, not to the point where they’re simply “running an artificial pace” or abandoning their own sense of identity.
Overall, “Follow You Down” seems to be grappling with the complexities of relationships, and the way in which our internal struggles and uncertainties can interfere with our ability to be present and engaged with those we love. Even so, the song provides a sense of hope, as the singer comes to terms with uncertainty and decides to remain loyal to their partner even when the journey is unclear.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you see the sky?
The sky could be a sign that we are lost and need guidance.
I think it means that we've been lost
The sky is symbolic of our confusion and wandering.
Maybe one last time is all we need
Perhaps one final attempt will lead us to where we need to be.
I can't really help it
I'm unable to change the situation.
If my tongue's all tied in knots
I'm too anxious and nervous to communicate effectively.
Jumping off a bridge is just the farthest
This is the most extreme thing I've done.
That I've ever been
I've never been this desperate for change before.
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
I'll always be there for you, no matter where you lead me.
Any place but those I know by heart
I'm willing to explore new places, except for the ones that are too familiar.
I know we're headed somewhere
I believe we're moving forward, even if progress is slow.
I can see how far we've come
I recognize the progress we've made, despite the obstacles we've faced.
But still I can't remember anything
I feel like we're moving forward, but can't recall the details of the journey.
Let's not do the wrong thing
We need to make wise decisions to avoid setbacks.
And I'll swear it might be fun
Taking calculated risks can lead to enjoyable experiences.
It's a long way down
The consequences of our actions can be severe.
When all the knots we've tied have come undone
When everything falls apart.
How you gonna ever find your place
How will you know where you truly belong?
Running an artificial pace?
Are you moving too fast without any real direction?
Are they gonna find us lying face down in the sand
Will we succumb to our mistakes and be left defeated?
So what the hell? Now we've already been forever damned
We've made some poor choices, but it's not too late to change our path.
I'll follow you down, but not that far
I'm committed to going with you, but not to the point of destruction.
I'll follow you down, but not that far (follow you down)
I'll support you through thick and thin, but I have limits.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, Hipgnosis Songs Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: D. Scott Johnson, Jesse M. Valenzuela, Phillip Rhodes, Phillip N. Rhodes, Robin Wilson, William Leen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jcghunz
Did you see the sky
I think it means that we've been lost
Maybe one less time is all we need
I can't really help it if my tongue's all tied in knots
Jumping off a bridge, it's just the farthest that I've ever been
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
Anyplace but those I know by heart
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
I'll follow you down, but not that far
I know we're headed somewhere, I can see how far we've come
But still I can't remember anything
Let's not do the wrong thing and I'll swear it might be fun
It's a long way down when all the knots we've tied have come undone
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
Anyplace but those I know by heart
Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down
I'll follow you down, but not that far
How you gonna ever find your place
Running in an artificial pace
Are they gonna find us lying face down in the sand
So what the hell now, we've already been forever damned
Anywhere you go I'll follow you down...
@paladintrueknight
This is the most perfect example of 90s rock pop. chef's kiss
@thegregbooyah
In terms of melody writing, The Gin Blossoms are severely underrated. It's a shame a lot of 90's bands don't always get the recognition from today's generation.
@sayowe
It was a generation for music. We couldn’t get enough 🎶❤️
@atravelerofbothtimespace4172
I always thought they're harmonies and melodies made them sorta like the "Beach Boys " of 90's alt-rock
Hit after hit after hit ....
@mightymax9948
Younger generations often can't relate because they've never known how things were before 9/11.
@thegregbooyah
@@mightymax9948 life felt so much easier back then that’s for sure. At least less terrifying.
@polocarthaigh893
AI doesn't recognize human talent.
@chriscook9504
This tune holds a special place in my heart because it was released in 1996 the year I met my wife and 26 years later we are still together with three kids and six grandkids!!
@RachelDavis705
Love the nostalgia that music can bring
@alanpower2857
I've been with my wife since 1995 and grandkids are the furthest thing from my mind. They're for old people :)