Lowell George met Bill Payne when George was a member of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention. Payne had auditioned for the Mothers, but had not joined. They formed Little Feat along with former Mothers' bassist Roy Estrada and drummer Richie Hayward from George's previous band, the Factory. The name of the band came from a comment made by Mothers' drummer Jimmy Carl Black about Lowell's "little feet." The spelling of "feat" was an homage to The Beatles.
Their first two albums received nearly universal critical acclaim, and "Willin'" became a standard, subsequently popularized by its inclusion on Linda Ronstadt's album Heart Like a Wheel.
While touring in support of his solo album in June 1979, at the age of 34, George collapsed in his hotel room in Arlington, Virginia. The surviving members finished and released the Little Feat album "Down on the Farm" before disbanding.
The surviving former members of Little Feat reformed in 1987 when Paul Barrere, Sam Clayton, Kenny Gradney, Richie Hayward and Bill Payne added songwriter/vocalist Craig Fuller, formerly from the band Pure Prairie League (who also provided some rhythm guitar), and Fred Tackett on guitar, mandolin and trumpet.
With a seemingly constant tour schedule, Little Feat is easily one of the hardest-working and enduring bands in the industry today. With a history that spans more than 30 years, Little Feat is regarded by many rock music critics as a "band's band", and as one of the greatest rock bands in American rock music history. Best known for their combination of California rock and Dixie-inflected funk-boogie, they craftily blend folk, blues, rockabilly, country and jazz to create a unique style all their own, garnering a faithful grass-roots following. Simply put, Little Feat's sound transcends traditional music boundaries and they offer fans an unforgettable live performance.
Richie Hayward became the second founding member of the band to die, passing from pneumonia and other complications of lung disease on August 18, 2010.
On Your Way Down
Little Feat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Since the beginning, it hasn't changed yet
People fly high, begin to loose sight
But you can't see very clearly, when you're in flight
Well it's high time (backing vocals)
That you find
The same people that you must use on your way up
Vintage wines from the year sixty two
Is your thing, is your thing
(Backing vocals) is your thing, is your thing
What pleases you
Not to be found for you cross town
The thing is for other girls just to have you around
Well it's high time
That you find
The same dudes that you must use on your way up
You might meet up (pause) on your way down
(Yeah) You feel the sunrise, set for you
But the same sunrise is step and shine, for the old folks due
I don't mind, your turn around
I myself would even like for a little higher ground
It's high time (backing vocals)
That you find Mr G
The same people you work hard on your way up
You might meet up (pause) on your way down
The Little Feat song "On Your Way Down" features insightful lyrics that explore the universal theme of karma. Right from the first couplet, the lyrics draw attention to the cyclical nature of life. Sunrise and sunset, as timeless as they may seem, symbolize the continuous journey of life that humans take each day. Despite this, people often become too consumed in their pursuit of success and lose sight of their true priorities. In the rush to attain their goals, they forget about the people around them who helped them in their journey. The song suggests that the same people who have used to help people climb their way up are the same ones that they will need on their way back down.
The second verse of the song talks about a person who only values vintage wine from 1962. The singer suggests that what pleases him may not be desirable for others, and there may be things that he is missing out on. It implies that not all people have the same taste in life, and by disconnecting from the larger picture, they might deny themselves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. The last verse of the song warns the individual that they may feel on top of the world today, but tomorrow they may go back to where they started. The lyrics tell the listeners that when they need a helping hand, they should seek the same people they used to climb the ladder, as they are most likely to be there.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunrise, sunset
Just as the sun rises and sets every day, certain things in life remain constant and unchanging, regardless of one's circumstances.
Since the beginning, it hasn't changed yet
This is a continuation of the previous thought, emphasizing the timeless nature of certain aspects of the world.
People fly high, begin to loose sight
When we become successful or experience good fortune, we can become arrogant or lose perspective, which may lead to our downfall or failure.
But you can't see very clearly, when you're in flight
In the midst of achieving success, it can be hard to see things objectively, and we are more likely to make poor decisions or ignore warning signs.
Well it's high time (backing vocals)
This is a call to action or awakening, suggesting that it's time to recognize certain realities or change course.
That you find
An imperative to seek out or discover something that may have been hidden or overlooked.
The same people that you must use on your way up
The individuals who helped you achieve success or climb the ladder of ambition may be the same people you need to rely on when things don't go as planned.
You might meet up (pause) on your way down
Irony of fate because when you fall from your high place, the people you may meet along the way are the same people you may have shunned when you were at the peak.
Vintage wines from the year sixty two
This is a metaphor for things that are rare, expensive, or in high demand.
Is your thing, is your thing
What you desire or value in life may be unique or specific to you, and that's okay.
(Backing vocals) is your thing, is your thing
Reiterating that everyone has their own preferences, and that's what makes life interesting.
What pleases you
An invitation to pursue things that bring joy, satisfaction, or pleasure, regardless of whether they are popular or conventional.
Not to be found for you cross town
Something that you cherish or value may not be easy to find, acquire, or access.
The thing is for other girls just to have you around
This implies that the subject may be attractive or desirable to others, but what they want from them may not be the thing that they want for themselves.
Yeah) You feel the sunrise, set for you
In the midst of success, it can feel like everything is happening for you, and that life is full of possibility and promise.
But the same sunrise is step and shine, for the old folks due
This is a reminder that life continues on, and that the same experiences that feel new and exciting to us may be familiar or ordinary to those who came before us.
I don't mind, your turn around
This is a statement of acceptance, suggesting that even though things change and people may lose their way, it's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
I myself would even like for a little higher ground
Despite being content with the status quo, there is always a desire or inclination to aim for something better or more fulfilling.
That you find Mr G
This is a reference to Allen Toussaint, who wrote this song.
The same people you work hard on your way up
Reiterating that the people who helped you achieve success or gain prominence may be the same people you need to rely on when things go awry.
You might meet up (pause) on your way down
This line is repeated from earlier in the song, underscoring the theme of the lyrics.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALLEN TOUSSAINT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Cochran
on Representing the Mambo
Heard this song right before I had to go on a buiness trip to Rio. The progression of the song up the mountainside to the dangerous favelas above the city to the isolated hidden samba clubs make this song a trip you can truly take in your mind to that place.