Going down
The Carburetors Lyrics


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You're a goddamn screw up
A goddamn punk
Wasting your time just getting drunk
You're going down down down down down down
When you want something that you can't get for free
Tough luck
Well you ain't gettin' it from me
You're going down down down
You're goin' fast
It's gonna last
Going down

You're a goddamn waste
A piece of trash
Giving head just to get some cash
You're going down down down down down down
Keep sticking needles till you don't know when to quit
Tough luck
Well you don't know shit

You're going down down down
You're goin' fast




It's gonna last
Going down

Overall Meaning

The Carburetors’ song “Going Down” is a powerful anthem that speaks about the self-destructive habits of a person who is on the fast track to failure. The lyrics speak directly to an individual who is taking unnecessary risks and living life recklessly, all while wasting their time trying to satisfy their own selfish desires. The song starts off with an aggressive call-out, labeling the subject as a “goddamn screw up” and a “punk.” The lyrics are confrontational and direct, painting a portrait of someone who is heading towards a crash and burn.


The song continues to escalate with each line, highlighting the different ways in which the subject is self-destructing. The second verse is even more pointed, labeling the person as a “waste” and a “piece of trash.” The lyrics suggest that the subject is taking drastic measures to get their fix, going so far as to “give head just to get some cash.” The final line of the verse, “you’re going down down down down down down,” is the song’s most powerful, driving home the idea that this is a person who is spiraling out of control and headed for disaster.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “you’re going down down down,” driving home the message that this person’s self-destructive habits are going to lead to a crash. The lyrics are delivered with an aggressive, punk rock energy that matches the song’s driving guitar riffs and pounding drums. The message of the song is clear - if you continue to make reckless decisions and ignore the consequences, you’re going to go down in flames.


Line by Line Meaning

You're a goddamn screw up
You are a complete failure and mess


A goddamn punk
You are a disrespectful and rebellious person


Wasting your time just getting drunk
Spending your time aimlessly and getting drunk instead of being productive


You're going down down down down down down
You are on a downhill slide, sinking further and further


When you want something that you can't get for free
If you desire something that is not free of cost


Tough luck
Unfortunately, it is not your chance to get it


Well you ain't gettin' it from me
You won't receive it from me, for sure


You're going down down down
You are spiraling downwards


You're goin' fast
You are losing control at a rapid pace


It's gonna last
This decline will continue for a long time


Going down
Sinking further and further


You're a goddamn waste
You are a worthless and useless person


A piece of trash
Another way to call them garbage or waste of value


Giving head just to get some cash
Performing sexual acts for money


Keep sticking needles till you don't know when to quit
Continuing to use drugs to the point of addiction and no return


Well you don't know shit
You have no knowledge or understanding




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALLEN TOUSSAINT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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