Comin' Down
The Angels Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Psychopath, young man
Dedicated to efficiency
17, 28, 59
Looks like it's comin' down on me
Down on me, down on me, down on me

Hold tight! big brother
Calling in the name of liberty
Lots stone take your place
Looks like it's comin' down on me
Down on me, down on me, down on me

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me, down on me

Never so many are watched by so few
For so long, by so much for big brother!
Never so many are watched by so few
For so long, by so much for big brother!
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)

(Solo)

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me, down on me

Never so many are watched by so few
For so long, by so much for big brother!
Never so many are watched by so few
For so long, by so much for big brother!
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)




(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me

Overall Meaning

The Angels’s song "Comin' Down" is a protest song that talks about the threat of an overreaching government that closely monitors its citizens. The metaphorical lyrics mention a "psychopath" who is "dedicated to efficiency" and the age numbers "17, 28, 59," which suggest that people of all ages are being watched. The chorus "Looks like it's comin' down on me" implies the sense of impending doom and the feeling of being choked by the authority.


The song also mentions "Big Brother," a term coined by George Orwell in his novel "1984" to represent the authoritarian government that constantly surveils its people. The line, "Never so many are watched by so few, for so long, by so much for big brother" emphasizes the magnitude of the problem while also being a play on a speech delivered by Winston Churchill.


The song's solo, which comes after the first chorus, is played on a guitar with a fast-paced, bluesy sound. The song's overall sound is reminiscent of the Australian pub rock scene of the 1970s, which was known for its raw, energetic sound and politically charged lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

Psychopath, young man
The singer of the song is a young man who feels like he is losing control of his life.


Dedicated to efficiency
He is a perfectionist who strives for productivity and perfection in his work.


17, 28, 59
These numbers may represent important dates, ages, or milestones in his life.


Looks like it's comin' down on me
He feels like his life is collapsing around him and he is being overwhelmed.


Hold tight! big brother
This line suggests that he is talking to his older brother, who he looks up to for guidance and support.


Calling in the name of liberty
The big brother is calling for freedom and equality in the face of oppression.


Lots stone take your place
This line suggests that there are others who are willing to fight for their rights and freedoms in his place.


Never so many are watched by so few
This line is a reference to the pervasive surveillance that is becoming increasingly common in modern society.


For so long, by so much for big brother!
This line is suggesting that the authorities are using their power to impose their will on the masses.


(Solo)
A musical interlude.


Down on me, down on me
A repeated refrain, emphasizing the singer's sense of being trapped or overwhelmed.




Contributed by Riley W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@-FrankCastle-

Psychopath, young man
Dedicated to efficiency
17, 28, 59
Looks like it's comin' down on me
Down on me, down on me, down on me

Hold tight! big brother
Calling in the name of liberty
Lots stone take your place
Looks like it's comin' down on me
Down on me, down on me, down on me

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me, down on me

Never so many are watched by so few
For so long, by so much for big brother!
Never so many are watched by so few
For so long, by so much for big brother!
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me, down on me

Never so many are watched by so few
For so long, by so much for big brother!
Never so many are watched by so few
For so long, by so much for big brother!
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)
For so long, by so much (for big brother)

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me

(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
(Looks like it's comin' down on me)
Down on me, down on me



All comments from YouTube:

@clintjohnson2245

Seen these guys live 5-6 times. Thank you doc for lighting up my life- what a singer and what a band!

@bazmania1000

man saw these guys everywhere for years . RIP Mr Neeson, great to have met you on many occasions.Best live band.

@jamesedwards5475

Best front man ever too. RIP Doc, love you forever Bro.

@denysemcalister7082

You knew you were going to have a good night when the Angels played...loved them back in the day and love them now

@AVportau

can't get enough of this sound... i've gotta admit i'm an Angels junkie from the 70s/80s... i feel fortunate to have been there and felt it at the Myer Music Bowl a few times... but with AC/DC in 1981 it was Aussie hard rock heaven... thanks for the best memories guys.

@totalis1964

So love there music, it just hits you

@coffermartin77

If this song isn't an Aussie anthem, i'll give it all away. What a great classic rock track!! Love The Angels!

@vivavegan5462

Soundtrack to my mis-spent youth : )
Thankyou Doc for your special dose of medicine RIP X

@ausbri2906

Lucky to have seen these guys LIVE
This is how music is made kiddies
Watching from Australia

@janicecook6060

Great

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