Quit Your Low Down Ways
The Hollies Lyrics


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Oh, you can read out of your Bible
You can fall down on your knees
Pretty mama, and pray to the Lord
But it ain't gonna do you no good

You're gonna need
You're gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can't quit your sinnin'
Please quit your lowdown ways

Well, you can run down to the White House
You can gaze at the Capitol Dome
Pretty mama, you can pound on the President's gate
It'll do you no good

You're gonna need
You're gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can't quit your sinnin'
Please quit your lowdown ways

Well, you can run down to the desert
Throw yourself on the burnin' sand
You can raise up your right hand, pretty mama
But you better understand

You're gonna need
You're gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can't quit your sinnin'
Please quit your lowdown ways

You can hitch hike on the highways
You can stand alone by the side of the road
You can try to flag a ride back home, pretty mama
But you can't ride in my car

You're gonna need
You're gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can't quit your sinnin'
Please quit your lowdown ways

Oh, you can read out of your Bible
You can fall down on your knees
Pretty mama, and pray to the Lord
But it ain't gonna do you no good

You're gonna need
You're gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can't quit your sinnin'
Please quit your lowdown ways

Quit your lowdown ways
Quit your lowdown ways
Quit your lowdown ways
Quit your lowdown ways

Quit your lowdown ways
Quit your lowdown ways




Quit your lowdown ways
Quit your lowdown ways

Overall Meaning

The Hollies' song "Quit Your Low Down Ways" is a cautionary tale directed at someone who appears to be irredeemable. The song's narrator warns the subject that all the praying, protesting, proselytizing, and flag-waving in the world will do them no good if they cannot change their "lowdown ways." No matter what they do, the subject will need the singer's help someday, so they should quit their sinnin' before it's too late. The repeated chorus of "quit your lowdown ways" serves as both a plea and a warning, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the importance of heeding advice.


The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but they could be seen as a comment on the destructive nature of sin, particularly when it involves hurting others or living a dishonest life. The singer offers a way out, a chance for redemption, but also acknowledges that change is unlikely without significant effort. The song's upbeat, almost cheerful sound belies its serious message, causing the listener to take notice of the cautionary tale being told.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, you can read out of your Bible
You may try to seek guidance from religion


You can fall down on your knees
You can pray for help and guidance


Pretty mama, and pray to the Lord
You can appeal to a higher power for help


But it ain't gonna do you no good
However, it won't be helpful


You're gonna need
At some point, you will require


You're gonna need my help someday
You will eventually need my assistance


Well, if you can't quit your sinnin'
If you cannot give up your immoral ways


Please quit your lowdown ways
Please abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior


Well, you can run down to the White House
You can go to the seat of government


You can gaze at the Capitol Dome
You can stare at the symbol of power


Pretty mama, you can pound on the President's gate
You can knock on the door of the most powerful individual in the country


It'll do you no good
However, it won't be helpful


Well, you can run down to the desert
You can flee to a barren and isolated place


Throw yourself on the burnin' sand
You can immerse yourself in extreme conditions


You can raise up your right hand, pretty mama
You can make an oath or swear with a raised hand


But you better understand
However, you need to comprehend


You're gonna need
At some point, you will require


You're gonna need my help someday
You will eventually need my assistance


Well, if you can't quit your sinnin'
If you cannot give up your immoral ways


Please quit your lowdown ways
Please abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior


You can hitch hike on the highways
You can try to get a ride on the road


You can stand alone by the side of the road
You can wait alone on the roadside


You can try to flag a ride back home, pretty mama
You can try flagging down a ride to return home


But you can't ride in my car
However, you won't be able to use my vehicle


Quit your lowdown ways
Abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior


Quit your lowdown ways
Abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior


Quit your lowdown ways
Abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior


Quit your lowdown ways
Abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior


Quit your lowdown ways
Abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior


Quit your lowdown ways
Abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior


Quit your lowdown ways
Abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior


Quit your lowdown ways
Abandon your deceitful and despicable behavior




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Philip Kassabian


on Carrie Anne

A nice and catchy song by The Hollies.

Philip Kassabian


on Bus Stop

Yet another great Hollies song.

Philip Kassabian


on Stop Stop Stop

One of the best bands from the 60's no doubt.

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