Goin' Down

About Goin' Down

"Goin' Down" is a song by the American pop rock band the Monkees, written by all four members of the group along with Diane Hildebrand, and was first released as the B-side to the "Daydream Believer" single on Colgems Records on 25 October 1967 in support of the band's fifth album, The Birds, the Bees & the Monkees (see 1967 in music). It is the only composition recorded by the Monkees that is credited to all its members, and managed to bubble under the Billboard Hot 100 upon its distribution. Lyrically, "Goin' Down" describes a man whose relationship has ended, and he attempts to "end it all" by leaping into the river to be dragged away in the current. He immediately regrets the decision and comes to a self-realization before coming to shore in New Orleans to partake in its "swingin' scenes". It features energetic, rapid lead vocals by Micky Dolenz, and big band influences that are melded into the pop song, with the arrangements organized by jazz musician Shorty Rogers. With "Daydream Believer", as the song's A-side, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, "Goin' Down" managed to chart at number 104 nationally. Since its release, the composition has become a staple of the Monkees' touring setlists, with a live version of the song appearing on the album 2001: Live in Las Vegas. An extended rendition of "Goin' Down" also appears on the deluxe version of Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., Greatest Hits, The Best of the Monkees, and Extended Versions. In 2012, the composition met with controversy for its unexpected use in the television show, Breaking Bad. Dolenz, who was unaware an abridged version of "Goin' Down" was to be featured on the show, commented, "'Goin' Down' has nothing to do with drugs, obviously. And I certainly don't condone meth — that is nasty stuff that kills a lot of people and ruins a lot of lives. ... On the other hand, I like the TV show, it's very well-made. … And no, I didn't make a penny". more »