13 Awesome Songs That Reference Going Down

Reading Time: 12 min read

13 Awesome Songs That Reference Going Down features songs courtesy of Alec Benjamin, Jorja Smith, Normani, Taylor Swift, and TOOL.

“I’m going down / ‘Cause you ain’t around, baby / My whole world’s upside down.” That’s what the R&B collective Rolls Royce – best known for 1976’s “Car Wash” (Car Wash original motion picture soundtrack) sung on “I’m Going Down.” Of course, Mary J. Blige would later release a fantastic cover on her 1994 album, My Life (“I’m Goin’ Down”). Why mention the record, “I’m Going Down?” Well, it’s one of many songs that feature the word ‘down’ in their song title, specifically, referencing ‘going down.’ It’s really that simple.

Our playlist at hand, “13 Awesome Songs That Reference Going Down,” features songs that reference ‘going down’ courtesy of Alec Benjamin (“Let Me Down Slowly”), Jorja Smith (“Let Me Down”), Normani & Calvin Harris (“Slow Down”), Taylor Swift (“You Need to Calm Down”), and TOOL (“Descending”) among others. While most of them explicitly feature the word down, TOOL opts for descending. Still, descending is ‘going down,’ right? Right. Let’s jump right in, shall we?

1. TOOL, “Descending”

Fear Inoculum • Tool Dissectional, L.L.C. / Volcano Entertainment II, L.L.C. • 2019

“Descending” earns the honors as the second-longest record on Fear Inoculum, the long awaited, highly anticipated fifth studio album by alternative metal collective TOOL. “Descending” approaches 14 minutes. The good news is there’s plenty to ‘salivate’ over the course of the song.

One of the most exciting sections of this ‘downward’ song is the bridge section, which features incredibly assertive vocals from Maynard James Keenan, as well as some aggressive guitar work. Other notes from this juggernaut include the tried and true metric shifts, with some alternation between measures of five and measures of six beats per measure, and a thrilling guitar solo. Of course, the minimalist spirit at times goes a long way as well.

2. Taylor Swift, “You Need to Calm Down”

Lover • Taylor Swift / Republic • 2019

“You are somebody that I don’t know / But you’re taking shots at me like its Patrón…” “You Need to Calm Down”, arrived as the second single from Taylor Swift’s highly-anticipated seventh studio album, Lover. “You Need to Calm Down” is bright, irresistible, and sunny, set in a major key.

Besides the sound and vibe, Swift manages a super catchy chorus (shocker) which plays out a little something like this:

“So, oh-oh…
You need to calm down, you’re being too loud
And I’m just like, oh-oh…
You need to just stop, like can you just not step on my gown
You need to calm down.”

Adding to the allure of the chorus is the use of vocal layering. On the surface, if you examine the lyrics, Taylor Swift seems to be doing something she does often – write songs about those who have perhaps wronged her. But, actually, this is an anthem that notably encompasses love and respect for the LGBTQ+ community. This is most explicitly shown in the second verse, with references to GLAAD, as well as a key lyric, “Sunshine on the street at the parade / But you would rather be in the dark ages / Makin’ that sign must’ve taken all night.”

Naturally, the reaction to Taylor Swift’s purported support for the LGBTQ+ community has drawn criticism, particularly given how pronounced it is as of late. Christina Cauterucci (Slate) calls it “… A Teachable Moment About How Not to Be an Ally”. Of ‘queer-baiting’, Amelia Abraham (The Guardian) asserts it “leaves [her] cold”. Specifically, referencing the video for “You Need to Calm Down,” she writes:

“We jest, but the video for ‘You Need to Calm Down’ is not very funny, despite being intended as a campy celebration of queer culture. If singing ‘shade never made anybody less gay’ was meant to be Swift’s idea of ally-ship, the bad execution and cynical timing with  Pride  month make this video feel more like empty virtue signalling – and it’s not particularly virtuous, in my opinion, to caricature the homophobes in the video purely as ‘hillbillies’, as if only those people can be bigoted.”

So, a song that both tickles one’s fancy has also managed to open a giant can of worms. Glamour and The Atlantic also had criticism regarding “You Need to Calm Down.” Regardless, in my opinion, this song is worth mentioning if for no other reason than the fact that it is the catalyst for discussion, and discussion is powerful. “You Need to Calm Down” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in June 2019.

3. Chance the Rapper, “Sun Come Down”

The Big Day • Chance the Rapper • 2019

“I let the sun come down without letting you know exactly what I mean / Exactly what you mean to me.” “Sun Come Down” brings more thoughtful, reflective rap to The Big Day, the debut studio album by Grammy-winning rapper Chance the Rapper. In the context of The Big Day, “Sun Come Down” follows enjoyable-enough, but less transcendent numbers “Get a Bag” and “Slide Around.”

This is easily one of the better songs on the album because Chance the Rapper digs deeper. “Please don’t let my death be about my death / Please don’t make no movies about my death,” he raps on the first verse, later adding, “Don’t misconstrue my offerings to offer new advice / If I said it, I meant it / If I’m dead, it’s cemented.” “Sun Come Down” previously appeared on the playlist, 21 Terrific Songs with ‘Come’ in the Title.

4. Alec Benjamin, “Let Me Down Slowly”

Ft. Alessia Cara

Let Me Down Slowly (Ft. Alessia Cara) [Single] • Alec Benjamin • 2018

“The night is cold in the kingdom / I can feel you fade away.” Those emotional, poetic, and thoughtful lyrics come at the hands of Phoenix, Arizona-bred, pop singer/songwriter Alec Benjamin. One of the things that makes Benjamin so unique is his beautiful voice with a stellar, boyish tone. He impressed initially on his heartfelt single, “Let Me Down Slowly”, which appears on his well-rounded, debut mixtape, Narrated for You.

“Let Me Down Slowly” is a good ole, sound pop record that’s well-produced record without being incredibly ornate. Benjamin delivers a strong vocal performance, without the need for lots of flashiness or gospel histrionics – he definitely ‘does his thing’, and it pays dividends. He expressively delivers the lyrics, bringing emotions and the song itself ‘on home’ on the chorus. Simply put, his little heart can’t take any sudden or extra pain. On the remixed version released post-Narrated for You, Benjamin gets a lift from Canadian Grammy-winning pop sensation Alessia Cara. She shines on her own verse, while the two of them blend beautifully and seamlessly on the chorus.

“Could you find a way to let me down slowly?
A little sympathy, I hope you can show me
If you wanna go then I’ll be so lonely
If you’re leaving baby let me down slowly.”

“Let Me Down Slowly” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs Where Distance, Time, or Tempo are Clearly a Factor.

5. Elley Duhé, “WAY DOWN LOW”

DRAGON MENTALITY • RCA • 2018

“Even when we’re way down, way down low / We dream, yeah / We dream on up / When we’re way down, way down low / The stars light a new hope in us…” American pop singer Elley Duhé shines on “WAY DOWN LOW”, a highlight from her six-song, 2018 EP, DRAGON MENTALITY. The third track from the EP features glorious, smooth synths, contrasted with a busier, ‘hyper-rhythmic’ beat. The production is solid – nothing too crazy but ultimately compelling.

Duhé serves up assertive lead vocals, with a distinct, powerful set of pipes on her hands. Arguably the best section of the song is the pre-chorus, which is catchy and incredibly effective. Thematically and lyrically, Duhé sings about conquering love.

“And we all half alive, half alive
I’ll go to war, baby
I’ll go to war for you
Just come back to life, back to life
We will survive
We gonna see this through.”

All in all, “WAY DOWN LOW” ends up being enjoyable and well executed. It was so enjoyable, the record previously appeared on the playlist, 10 Songs That Get Low.

6. Jack Harlow, “Sundown”

Loose • Atlantic / Generation Now • 2018

“I’m off a tab of that synthetic / Sundown, forty-five minutes ‘til this shit set in / Checking for the kid, I had to chin check him / Big move, and we teach ‘em big lessons over here.” If you haven’t had the pleasure of hearing Jack Harlow, well, you’re totally missing out. The Louisville, Kentucky rapper doesn’t look like your typical hip-hop artist, but proves he has bars throughout the short and sweet single “Sundown”, from his debut major-label project, Loose (he previously released two projects, 18 and Gazebo in 2016 and 2017 respectively).

“Sundown” features a killer beat that’s incredibly rhythmic and groovy to the nth degree. Furthermore, the production is blessed with a keyboard loop that sounds like a mix of synth, accordion, and organ. The effect? Jack Harlow has that southern-rap backdrop, set in a minor key. Naturally, he eats it up. He has an awesome flow and his confidence is infectious. Furthermore, he’s got Kentucky pride and his wordplay is stellar. “Sundown” previously appeared on the ‘sunny’ playlist, 11 Songs About the Sun, Sunshine, or Sunniness.

7. Jorja Smith, “Let Me Down”

Ft. Stormzy

Let Me Down [Single] • FAMM • 2018

Grammy-nominated English R&B artist, Jorja Smith, compels on ballad “Let Me Down”, assisted by rapper Stormzy. “Let Me Down” commences moodily, fashioned as a piano-driven ballad. Smith delivers pure, radiant, and expressive vocals. She possesses a distinct tone, particularly the cracks and nuances. The first statement of the chorus amplifies the emotional intensity, and increases the dynamic level. Naturally, Smith pushes more, providing more oomph and punch. She remains tasteful, never over-singing or pushing too much.

“But I’ve got you to let me down
I’ve got you to let me down
Only you can understand why
I’ve got you to let me down.”

Stormzy appears on the second verse, backed with fuller production. Rather than just being accompanied by piano, synths and drum programming join the mix. By the second iteration of the chorus, the production is more developed, highlighted by the addition of strings. This is followed by gorgeous bridge section. Once more, Jorja Smith sounds pure and radiant as opposed to serving up ‘gospel histrionics.’ “Let Me Down” ends a bit subtler than expected. It wouldn’t have hurt hearing Smith “dig in” as opposed to step back, truly giving into this emotion. Regardless, “Let Me Down” is pretty sweet, all in all.

8. AJR, “Burn the House Down”

The Click (Deluxe Edition) • BMG Rights Management • 2018

“Should I hang my head low? / Should I bite my tongue? / Or should I march with every stranger from Twitter to get shit done? / Used to hang my head low / Now I hear it loud / Every stranger from Twitter is gonna burn this down.” Before experiencing “100 Bad Days”, it’s safe to say that fire is on the minds of pop trio AJR. The collective, comprised of three brothers, dropped “Burn the House Down” at the end of March 2018 (it would eventually appear on the deluxe edition of their 2017 album, The Click). What’s on the minds of these boys? The current political climate, and igniting the revolution… or something along those lines.

Jack Met delivers clear, lovely, easy-going tenor vocals, chocked-full of charm. There are some notable musical cues throughout, including cartoonish, Dixieland brass, accentuating the novel quality of this record. The chorus is full-blown, gargantuan pop. This includes hard-hitting drums, as well as incorporating the aforementioned brass. The music in itself is a sight to behold, or rather, some truly decadent ear candy. The chorus, is incredibly catchy.

“Way up way up we go
Been up and down that road
Way up way up, oh no
We gon’ burn the whole house down
Watch me stand in the line
You’re only serving lies
You’ve got something to hide
We gon’ burn the whole house down
We gon’ burn the whole house down.”

“Burn the House Down” previously appeared on the playlist, Experience the ‘Burn’ of These 11 Songs.

9. Muse, “Dig Down”

Simulation Theory • Warner Bros. • 2018

“Dig down / Dig down / Dig down and find faith / When you’re close to the edge / With a gun to your head / You must find a way.” On “Dig Down”, a highlight from Simulation Theory (2018), Grammy-winning British alternative rock collective Muse tackles political corruption. In the eyes of the band, society is currently ‘screwed up,’ but we can fix it. “Dig Down” opens with synths, set in a dark, minor key. From the jump, Matthew Bellamy is charged up.

On the first verse, he’s discouraged by the state of the world, yet determined to find a fix.

“When hope and love has been lost and you fall to the ground
You must find a way…
When God decides to look the other way and a clown takes the throne
We must find a way.”

There are a number of reasons the aforementioned lyrics stand out. The ‘clown’ who Muse references is President Donald Trump (self-explanatory). The second reason it stands out is the shot Bellamy takes at God (he’s an atheist by the way). The chorus is grand, in all its neo-prog rock glory, while the lyrics effectively deliver the message. Interestingly, the sound of the chorus musically and lyrically is more optimistic. Clearly, there’s a sense of resilience despite the ugliness that’s pervading the world. Notably, the deluxe edition adds an even more soulful version, “Dig Down (Acoustic Gospel Version).”

10. Normani & Calvin Harris, “Slow Down”

Slow Down [Single] • RCA • 2018

“Slow Down” is a well-rounded, enjoyable, infectious urban contemporary record courtesy of pop singer Normani and Scottish DJ/producer Calvin Harris. The tone of the is set early-on, thanks to the detuned sound of the intro. Naturally, Harris serves up groovy production that is soulful, yet also feels contemporary and fresh. As for Normani, she delivers rhythmic melodic lines, exhibiting ample personality and a pretty sweet vocal tone.

Lyrically, “Slow Down” is rather basic on the first and second verses – nothing deep or necessarily incredibly memorable. Even so, there are some highlights, such as the second pre-chorus filled with innuendo:

“Swimming in your bed like be like
Fucking to a slow jam, I’m rocking your boat now
I’m still a kid and, I’m stealing your time
But I still feel your heart, so I’m asking.”

On the chorus, Normani is trying to convince this man to embrace her and love in general.

“Could you just be real?
Don’t be scared to feel this
We can make the world go still
Could you let me feel this?
You can risk it, love me, I’m right here I
I can make your lonely disappear I
I could, could you just be real?
Could you just be real?”

Normani and Calvin Harris change the tempo, but certainly don’t change the world with “Slow Down.” That said, the duo does enhance playlists around the world, including this totally DOWN playlist.

11. NF, “Let You Down”

Perception • Capitol • 2017

“Feels like we’re on the edge right now / I wish that I could say I’m proud / I’m sorry that I let you down / Let you down.” “Let You Down”, a standout from rapper NF’s 2017 album, Perception, opens with pitch-shifted, effects laden vocals. This intro eventually becomes the chorus of the song. An excellent harmonic progression and sound accompanies the intro, foreshadowing what’s to come. NF delivers an excellent flow, showcasing his immense rap skills, spitting like a boss, sans profanity. Additionally, “Let You Down” features fantastic production work, particularly the hard drums, piano block chords, and use of reverb.

The vocals on the chorus are strong. Unlike the intro, they commence normally, in the mid-register. Eventually, the pitch-shifted vocals join-in, complementing the ‘normal’ vocals soundly. The chorus, partially excerpted above, is catchy, latching the first time you hear it. It continues as follows:

“All these voices in my head get loud
I wish that I could shut them out
I’m sorry that I let you down
Le-le-let you down.”

A welcome change of pace occurs on the third verse, finding NF accompanied by piano and at times, strings (pad). The melodic shift on the final chorus is a selling point. All in all, “Let You Down” is a well-rounded, enjoyable breakthrough hit from the ‘Christian’ rapper.

12. Khalid, “Shot Down”

American Teen • RCA • 2017

“But you got me shot down by love / You got my heart now / Why won’t you stop now? / Oh, I’ve been knocked down by you / You got my heart now / Why won’t you stop now?” “Shot Down” is clearly the crème de la crème of American Teen, the debut album by Grammy-nominated R&B artist, Khalid. Honestly, “Shot Down” resides in the same league as his breakthrough single, the ubiquitous “Location.”

“Shot Down” has its fair share of throwback qualities, yet feels truly contemporary and fresh at the same time. Khalid blesses the listener with his soulful, distinctive instrument, singing about over-infatuation.

“I been through it whole
I’ve been through the worst
But I never knew how much our love could hurt
Over my family I put you first…”

The over-infatuated record previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs About Various Kinds of Shots.

13. MAX, “Lights Down Low”

Ft. Gnash

Hell’s Kitchen Angel • DCD2 / Crush • 2016

“And I will give you everything baby / But can you feel this energy? Take it / You can have the best of me, baby / And I will give you everything.” Clearly, on “Lights Down Low,” MAX is deeply invested into his girlfriend, now wife. Appearing on his 2016 album Hell’s Kitchen Angel, “Lights Down Low” serves as a breakthrough hit for the New York pop artist.

Throughout “Lights Down Low,” MAX’s voice sounds beautiful, chocked-full of authenticity. As for the record, it is well produced by a familiar name, Nathaniel Motte of 3OH!3 fame (or infamy depending on how you feel about the duo’s totally dumb music). The centerpiece of this sexy gem is the chorus:

“Oh, turn the lights, turn the lights down low
Yeah, now I’m feeling you breathing slow, oh
‘Cause, baby, we’re just reckless kids
Trying to find an island in the flood.”

“Lights Down Low” previously appeared on playlists 13 Songs Propelled by Light and 10 Songs That Get Low.

13 Awesome Songs That Reference Going Down [Photo Credits: Alec Benjamin, Atlantic, BMG Rights Management, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Chance the Rapper, Crush, DCD2, FAMM, Generation Now, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, Taylor Swift, Tool Dissectional, L.L.C., Volcano Entertainment II, L.L.C., Warner Bros.]