Goin
Skeeter Davis Lyrics


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I'm a goin' down the road feelin' bad goin' down the road feelin' bad
Goin' down the road feelin' bad ain't gonna be treated this way

You treated me meaner many times yeah you been bad too many times
You treated me bad too many times ain't gonna be treated this way
Goin' down the road feelin' bad...
[ bass ]
Well I'm leavin' and I won't be back yeah I'm goin' and I ain't comin' back
Said I'm leavin' and I ain't comin' back no no I ain't gonna be treated this way
I'm a goin' down the road feelin' bad...
[ dobro ]




I'm a goin' down the road feelin' bad...
No I ain't gonna be treated this way

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Skeeter Davis’s song, “Goin’ Down the Road” has been interpreted in different ways since its release in 1960. However, one of the most popular interpretations of the song is that it tells the story of a person who has been hurt and mistreated by their lover, but has finally reached their breaking point and decided to leave the relationship. The lyrics, “you treated me meaner many times, yeah you been bad too many times” and “I'm leavin' and I won't be back, yeah I'm goin' and I ain't comin' back” strongly suggest that the singer has been repeatedly wronged by their partner and feels that he/she deserves better.


The phrase “goin’ down the road feelin’ bad” is repeated several times throughout the lyrics, which could be interpreted as the singer feeling upset and hopeless about the end of the relationship. However, it could also be seen as a declaration of determination and strength that the singer is not going to let the mistreatment continue. Overall, the song captures the emotions of someone who has decided to walk away from a toxic relationship and start anew.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm a goin' down the road feelin' bad goin' down the road feelin' bad
I am travelling with a heavy heart and feeling sad about the treatment I have received.


Goin' down the road feelin' bad ain't gonna be treated this way
I am not going to accept this kind of treatment anymore and will not tolerate it in the future.


You treated me meaner many times yeah you been bad too many times
You have been unkind to me on numerous occasions, and your behavior has become intolerable.


You treated me bad too many times ain't gonna be treated this way
I refuse to be treated poorly by you any longer and am taking a stand against this mistreatment.


Well I'm leavin' and I won't be back yeah I'm goin' and I ain't comin' back
I am leaving and have no intention of returning to this situation which has caused me much pain and hurt.


Said I'm leavin' and I ain't comin' back no no I ain't gonna be treated this way
I am making a clear and firm decision to end this situation that has caused me suffering and will not allow it to continue.


No I ain't gonna be treated this way
I am taking control of my life and refusing to tolerate any further mistreatment.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Don Zielinski

Oh, by far.....Skeeter was my favorite female C&W singer. Listening to Goin Down the Road just brought back many memories. Havent heard it in many years. Thanks for posting!

Craig Joyce

This record is one of my favourites and is how I feel about my work place

Wayne Thomas

As always a great bass break by the one and only Junior Huskey!

Don Hawkins

...this reminds me of my friend Jim....we sat and listened to Skeeter for hours....he delighted in her.(we drove half way across the state of Mi to see her in person)...this was years before her death....even then she was considered an outlaw of sorts....and forgotten by the country audience in the US...PS we got to meet and chat w/ Skeeter for a long time....she told us some interesting things...!

manbehindthescreen

I guess something went wrong when I made this and I haven't checked it before uploading, my bad...

Larry Hill

Check out "Ive Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know About Him" by The Davis Sisters. If you havent, lol

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