You telling lies thinking I can’t see
You don’t cry because you’re laughing at me
I’m down (I’m really down)
I’m down (down on the ground)
I’m down (I’m really down)
How can you laugh when you know I’m down
(How can you laugh) when you know I’m down
Man buys ring woman throws it away
Same damn thing happens every day
I’m down (I’m really down)
I’m down (down on the ground)
I’m down (I’m really down)
How can you laugh when you know I’m down
(How can you laugh) when you know I’m down
We all alone and there’s nobody else
You still moan, “Keep your hands to yourself”
I’m down (I’m really down)
I’m down (down on the ground)
I’m down (I’m really down)
How can you laugh when you know I’m down
(How can you laugh) when you know I’m down
Don’t you know that I’m down (I’m really down)
Don’t you know that I’m down (I’m really down)
Down on the ground (I’m really down)
Don’t you know that I’m down (I’m really down)
Down, down, down
Understanding the Raw Emotion in “I’m Down”
“I’m Down” by Aerosmith captures the sting of betrayal and the pain of feeling misunderstood. The lyrics reveal a narrator confronting a partner’s dismissive attitude, where laughter replaces empathy and isolation takes center stage. Repeated refrains like “I’m really down” highlight a sense of emotional exhaustion, while the vivid imagery of a discarded ring and unreciprocated affection further amplifies the song’s themes of rejection and vulnerability. The track’s straightforward language and bluesy rock energy intensify the feeling, making it a relatable anthem for anyone grappling with heartbreak or unacknowledged pain.
Song Credits
“I’m Down” was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Aerosmith included their version on their 1987 album Permanent Vacation, released under Geffen Records.