Soundgarden are associated with grunge, a style of alternative rock that developed in Seattle. After releasing two EPs on the Seattle-based label Sub-Pop in 1987 and 1988, their debut album, Ultramega OK was released on the California-based independent label SST Records in 1989. While the album did not sell well nationally, it gained critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy award in 1990. They recorded their second album, Louder Than Love, independently but had signed with major label A&M Records in the interim, and released the album as their major label debut. Unlike their debut, which had failed to chart, Louder Than Love peaked at number 108 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Released the same day as fellow Seattle grunge act Nirvana's album Nevermind, their third album Badmotorfinger would bring Soundgarden to national acclaim for the first time, buoyed by the popularity of the singles "Jesus Christ Pose", "Outshined", and "Rusty Cage", the album would reach number 39 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified double-platinum by the RIAA. Soundgarden was one of the seminal creators of grunge, a style of alternative rock that developed in Seattle, and was the first of a number of grunge bands to sign to the record label Sub Pop. Soundgarden was also one of the first grunge bands to sign to a major label (A&M Records in 1989), though they did not achieve commercial success until they popularized the genre in the early 1990s with Seattle contemporaries Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana.
Soundgarden achieved its biggest success with the 1994 album Superunknown, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and yielded the Grammy Award-winning singles "Spoonman" and "Black Hole Sun". In 1996, the band experimented with new sonic textures on their follow-up album Down on the Upside, which debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and spawned several hit singles of its own, including "Burden in My Hand" and "Blow Up the Outside World". In 1997, the band broke up due to internal strife over its creative direction and exhaustion from touring. After more than a decade of working on projects and other bands, Soundgarden reunited in 2010, and Republic Records released their sixth and final studio album, King Animal, two years later.
As of 2019, Soundgarden sold more than 14 million records in the United States, and an estimated 30 million worldwide. VH1 ranked Soundgarden at number 14 in their special 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundgarden
Studio albums
Ultramega OK (1988)
Louder Than Love (1989)
Badmotorfinger (1991)
Superunknown (1994)
Down on the Upside (1996)
King Animal (2012)
Head Down
Soundgarden Lyrics
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I see that smile
I see that smile on your face
We hear you cry
We hear you wail
We see that smile on your face
We see you dance
We take that away every day
We see you cry
We turn your head
Then we slap your face
Bow down, bow down
Bow down, live your life
Head down, head down
Head down, hide that smile
Head high, head high
Head high, you've got to smile
Head high, head high
Head high, you've got to smile
I see you try, I see you fail
Some things will never change
We hear you cry, we hear you wail
We steal that smile on your face
Bow down, bow down
Bow down, live your life
Head down, head down
Head down, hide that smile
Head high, head high
Head high, you've got to smile
Head high, head high
Head high, a song you like
The lyrics of Soundgarden's song "Head Down" reflect the theme of oppression and the struggles of individuals who are constantly being suppressed by those in power. The song starts off by talking about the smile on someone's face, which is juxtaposed against the cries of that person. The lyrics then go on to talk about how the oppressors take away the happiness of the oppressed every day, making them cry and turning their heads. The chorus talks about bowing down and living life with the head down, hiding that smile. However, the verses contradict this and suggest that people should keep their heads high and smile despite the challenges they face.
The lyrics of the song show how people in power often manipulate those who are vulnerable and suppress their freedom of expression. The song suggests that despite the challenges people face, they should not give up and should keep their heads high, smiling through the adversity.
In conclusion, 'Head Down' is a powerful and emotive song that discusses the struggles of being oppressed and living under the constant fear of those in power. It encourages people to keep their heads high and to always smile, despite the challenges they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
I see that smile
We notice the facade you put on with your smile
We hear you cry
We acknowledge the pain you're experiencing
We see you laugh
We observe little moments of happiness that you seek
We see you cry
We view your vulnerability as weakness
Bow down, bow down, bow down, live your life
Succumb to societal norms and expectations and forget about true happiness
Head down, head down, head down, hide that smile
Don't let your true emotions show or you'll be judged
Head high, head high, head high, you've got to smile
Even when things are tough, keep your head up and keep pretending to be happy
I see you try, I see you fail
We witness your struggles, despite how much effort you put in
We hear you cry, we hear you wail, we steal that smile on your face
Your show of negative emotions makes us uncomfortable and we want you to fake your happiness again
Head high, head high, head high, a song you like
Listen to music as an escape from the world that is trying to suffocate you
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Hunter Benedict Shepherd
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind