The video for the title track famously included a Michael Jackson look-alike whose hair catches fire. The video parodied corporate rock, the pretensions of advertising and Michael Jackson in particular. It was initially banned by MTV after legal threats from Michael Jackson's attorneys (although the Canadian music channel, MuchMusic ran it immediately). After becoming a hit on MuchMusic, MTV reconsidered their decision to yank the video and put it into heavy rotation, finally giving it the MTV Video Music Award for Best Video of the Year for 1989. The video was directed by Julien Temple and written by Charlie Coffey. It was nominated for a Grammy in the category of "Best Concept Video" of 1989 but lost to "Weird Al" Yankovic's Michael Jackson video spoof of "Bad", "Fat".
Since Harold Melvin, founder of the R&B group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, took legal action against Young over use of the "Bluenotes" name, the album is now credited as a Neil Young solo recording. The backup band Young used for this album was renamed "Ten Men Workin'" (after the album's lead-off song). The cover of this album is reportedly a photo taken in the back lane of the 200 block of Main Street Winnipeg, which housed the Blue Note Cafe. Neil was known to play unannounced in the Blue Note Cafe while in Winnipeg.[citation needed] "Ordinary People", an epic 18 minute outtake described as "Cortez the Killer with horns", finally saw release in 2007 on Young's Chrome Dreams II.
I'm Goin'
Neil Young & the Bluenotes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Goin' on a downhill slide
I'm goin', I'm goin'
Goin' on a downhill slide
Things feel so easy
I'm never gonna change my mind
I'm goin', I'm goin', I'm goin'
Well, ride me babe
Hang on to my hat
Ride me babe
Hang on to my hat
I'll howl like a wolf
Scream like an alley cat
I'm goin', I'm goin', I'm goin'
Don't wanna change my mind
Don't wanna reel it in
Don't wanna stop
This slidin' honey
That's the shape I'm in
I'm goin', I'm goin'
On a downhill slide
Things feels so easy
I'm never gonna change my mind
I'm goin', I'm goin', I'm goin'
Goin', goin',
Goin', goin', goin'
I'm goin' on a downhill slide
Watch me now, watch me now
Goin', goin',
Goin', goin', goin'
The song "I'm Goin'" by Neil Young is a straightforward blues track with a driving rhythm and catchy lyrics. The overall theme of the song displays a carefree attitude towards life, with the singer accepting his current state of mind and going down a "downhill slide". He is not afraid of what's ahead and doesn't want to change his ways. The chorus of "I'm going, going, going" emphasizes this sentiment and plays on the repetition of the phrase to further emphasize the down-spiraling tone. Young is obviously having a good time with this song and he uses simple metaphors like "hang on to my hat," "howl like a wolf," to enhance the overall feel.
The second chorus in the song, "don't wanna change my mind, don't wanna reel it in" emphasizes the theme of the song – the singer won't succumb to negativity, and he won't stop his downward trajectory. He is having too much fun and is happy to remain in his current state. He is a free spirit and he is not concerned with the judgments of others.
The line "watch me now" not only serves as an invitation to observe his actions, but also emphasizes his rebellious spirit. He is proud of who he is and the road he's chosen to take. The line also indicates that he is up for anything, no matter what society says.
Overall, "I'm Goin'" is a song about being unapologetically oneself and being content in the face of challenges. Neil Young’s bluesy guitar riffs and gravelly voice complement the theme and feel of this song perfectly.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm goin', I'm goin'
I am leaving, I am departing
Goin' on a downhill slide
I am on a downward trajectory, everything has become easier and I am losing control
Things feel so easy
Life has become effortless, and I have lost the drive to change
I'm never gonna change my mind
I have made my decision and I am unwilling to reconsider
Well, ride me babe
Come along with me
Hang on to my hat
Hold on tight, it's going to be a wild ride
I'll howl like a wolf
I'll make a lot of noise and create a scene
Scream like an alley cat
I'll be loud and disruptive, like an animal in the night
Don't wanna change my mind
I am stubborn and won't budge from my decision
Don't wanna reel it in
I don't want to hold back or restrict myself
Don't wanna stop
I don't want to slow down or quit
This slidin' honey
I am enjoying this decline
That's the shape I'm in
This is the state I am in and I am content with it
Watch me now, watch me now
Look at me, observe my actions
Goin', goin',
Continuing to slide downhill
Goin', goin', goin'
The descent is ongoing and prolonged
I'm goin' on a downhill slide
I am not only leaving, but I am declining and losing control
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jrh11254
I read in “Shakey” that Neil berated Molina over his use of the hi-hat in “This Note’s For You,” and that he’d “mangled the the tempo for “I’m Goin’.” I’m thinking this sounds pretty good!!
2003Cpayne
This is my first time hearing the studio version of this - only knew the Bluenote Cafe version before. It isn't great. I can get Neil's issue with the drumming. Ralph's stilted style fits with Crazy Horse but you need some groove for the blues stuff. He just sounds awkward here.
Stormbringer Coming
A friend of mine caught them on this tour. He said it was the weirdest of all Neil shows by far. Didn’t really gel.
2003Cpayne
@24JGM - Yeah, and not to mention him fusing them with the International Harvesters for that one 1985 tour!
24JGM
In retrospect, trying to turn the "World's 3rd Best Garage Band" into a blues outfit seems a completely nonsensical and doomed direction. But that's Neil for you!
warren jones
great
Toadab
Come back please.
El Rush_Figure105_venezolano
How old are you