The group notion started in 1976, when the four brothers of the Neville family, Art (1937-2019), Charles (1938–2018), Aaron (b. 1941), and Cyril (b. 1948) got together to take part in the recording session of The Wild Tchoupitoulas, a Mardi Gras Indian group led by the Nevilles' uncle, George Landry ("Big Chief Jolly").
Art Neville reached out to Paul Howrilla (personal manager for Dr. John) and told him that he always wanted to do something with his brothers. Paul Howrilla created Neville Productions, Inc., serving as president and CEO with all four Neville brothers as members of the board of directors. The newly formed business covered the entire Neville family, designed to protect them from the music business abuse they had previously endured in their individual careers.
This experience led them to form the group the following year. Their debut album was released from Capitol Records in 1978.
In 1988, the group released Uptown from EMI featuring guests including Branford Marsalis, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana. The following year saw the release of Yellow Moon from A&M Records produced by Daniel Lanois. The track "Healing Chant" from that album won best pop instrumental performance of the Grammy Awards.
In 1990, the Neville Brothers contributed "In the Still of the Night" to the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Blue produced by the Red Hot Organization. Also in 1990, they appeared on the bill at that year's Glastonbury Festival. This also was the year they recorded "Sons and Daughters" on their Brother's Keeper album.
Their version of "Bird on the Wire" was played over the closing credits of the 1990 film, Bird on a Wire.
Due to the health problems of Art Neville, the band kept a low profile in the late 1990s onto the early 2000s. They made a comeback in 2004, however, with the album, Walkin' In The Shadow Of Life, from Back Porch Records, their first newly recorded effort in five years.
All brothers except Charles, a Massachusetts resident, had been living in New Orleans, but following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 Cyril and Aaron moved out of the city. They had not been performing in New Orleans since Katrina hit the city, however, they finally returned to perform there at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2008, being given the closing spot which had been reserved for them for years.
Infrequently, Ivan Neville, Aaron's son (keyboards) and Ian Neville, Art's son (electric guitar), both of the band Dumpstaphunk, have played with the band in recent years.
The group formally disbanded in 2012 but reunited in 2015 for a farewell concert in New Orleans.
Charles Neville died of pancreatic cancer on April 26, 2018, at the age of 79.
Art Neville died at age 81 on July 22, 2019, after years of declining health.
Way Down in the Hole
The Neville Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You gotta watch your back
Well I beg your pardon
Walk the straight and narrow track
If you walk with Jesus
He's gonna save your soul
You gotta keep the devil
Way down in the hole
He's got the fire and the fury
At his command
Well you don't have to worry
If you hold on to Jesus hand
We'll all be safe from Satan
When the thunder rolls
We just gotta help me keep the devil
Way down in the hole
All the angels sing about Jesus' mighty sword
And they'll shield you with their wings
And keep you close to the lord
Don't pay heed to temptation
For his hands are so cold
You gotta help me keep the devil
Way down in the hole
Down in the hole, down in the hole
Down in the hole, down in the hole
Down in the hole, down in the hole
You gotta help me keep the devil
Down in the hole
The Neville Brothers’ song Way Down in the Hole is a track about the struggle between good and evil, with lyrics that draw a clear association between keeping away from the devil and sticking to the right path. The opening verse describes walking through the garden and needing to watch your back. This is a metaphor for the trip through life, where you must be careful of what's behind you and keep yourself in check. Walking the straight and narrow track, and sticking with Jesus, provides salvation and helps keep the devil at bay.
The song goes on to talk about how Jesus can protect you from Satan’s wrath, provided you hold tightly to his hand. The thunder rolls, but if you keep your faith, you'll be safe. The last verse warns about temptation and how it can feel tempting, but reminds you not to fall for it, as the devil's hands are cold. In keeping the devil way down in the hole, you will be able to keep to the right path and live a good life.
In summary, Way Down in the Hole is a spiritual song that reflects on the struggle between good and evil. It is a call to action that reminds us of the importance of keeping the devil at bay by sticking to the straight and narrow path and trusting in God's protection.
Line by Line Meaning
When you walk through the garden
Life is unpredictable and full of unexpected dangers and difficulties.
You gotta watch your back
You always have to be alert and cautious of your surroundings and people.
Well I beg your pardon
Sorry for interrupting, but let me emphasize something important.
Walk the straight and narrow track
Follow the path of righteousness and morals, and do not stray from it.
If you walk with Jesus
If you follow the teaching of Jesus and practice his teachings.
He's gonna save your soul
You will have salvation and be freed from sin.
You gotta keep the devil
You must resist temptation and not let wicked influence you.
Way down in the hole
Deep inside, far away from your mind and heart.
He's got the fire and the fury
Satan is known to act with anger and passion.
At his command
He has immense power and authority.
Well you don't have to worry
Do not fear Satan if you trust and hold on to Jesus.
If you hold on to Jesus hand
If you keep faith in Jesus and follow his guidance.
We'll all be safe from Satan
We will all be protected from the influence of Satan.
When the thunder rolls
In times of danger or trouble.
We just gotta help me keep the devil
Together, we must avoid evil and promote goodness.
All the angels sing about Jesus' mighty sword
The power and authority of Jesus is celebrated by all.
And they'll shield you with their wings
The angels will protect and guide you to safety.
And keep you close to the lord
The angels will keep your connection with God strong and stable.
Don't pay heed to temptation
Do not give in to the desire to sin.
For his hands are so cold
Satan's temptation can feel empty and emotionless.
Down in the hole, down in the hole
The devil is a negative force that we must keep suppressed.
You gotta help me keep the devil
We all have a responsibility to work together to fight evil.
Down in the hole
Deep inside, far away from our minds and hearts.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: THOMAS ALAN WAITS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind