Down in the Hole

Neville Brothers

About Down in the Hole

"Way Down in the Hole" is a song written by the singer-songwriter Tom Waits. It was included on his 1987 album Franks Wild Years, which was later made into a stage production. The song was used as the theme for HBO's The Wire. A different recording was used each season. Versions, in series order, were recorded by The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tom Waits, The Neville Brothers, DoMaJe, and Steve Earle. Season four's version, performed by the Baltimore teenagers Ivan Ashford, Markel Steele, Cameron Brown, Tariq Al-Sabir and Avery Bargasse, was arranged and recorded specifically for the show. An extended version of the Blind Boys of Alabama recording was played over a montage in the series finale. In 2004 a music historian, Kim Beissel, said that the 1994 song "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds was loosely based on this song by Waits. 


Year:
2004
144 
#1

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When you walk through the garden
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

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Neville Brothers

The Neville Brothers were an American R&B/soul/funk group, formed in 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana. more »

1 fan

Written by: THOMAS ALAN WAITS

Lyrics © Jalma Music

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"Down in the Hole" is originally a song written and performed by an American rock band, The Rolling Stones. The Neville Brothers, a group rooted in New Orleans, released their cover version of this song in 1989.
Album Classification
This song by the Neville Brothers is a part of their album "Yellow Moon", which was produced by Daniel Lanois. The album brilliantly blends rhythm and blues with the unique New Orleans sound.
Recognition
"Yellow Moon", the album which includes "Down in the Hole", was honored with the Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 1990 Grammy Awards.
Theme
The song illustrates the circumstances of a person who feels trapped, conveying strong emotions of despair and the craving for relief or salvation.
Performing Style
The Neville Brothers, with their powerful blend of rhythm & blues, jazz, and funk, brought a completely unique and captivating interpretation to "Down in the Hole."
Band Members
Each Neville Brothers' member brought a unique element to their songs. This band consisted of siblings Art, Aaron, Charles, and Cyril Neville.
Critical Reception
Critics and fans alike praised the Neville Brother's take on "Down in the Hole", applauding the tangible emotion and the strong instrumentation that echoed the song's themes.
Inspirations
Their rendition of "Down in the Hole" showcases the Neville Brothers' ability to channel their lived experiences growing up in the racially segregated South and their immense musical talents into their work.
Remarkable Lyrics
The song's lyric "Will all your money keep you from madness, keep you from sadness when you're down in the hole" resonates with many listeners, offering a profound perspective on materialism and mental well-being.
Influence
The Neville Brothers and their work, including the song "Down in the Hole", had a profound influence on later artists, both inside and outside the blues genre, inspiring them to put their own spins on classics.

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