You telling lies thinking I can’t see
You don’t cry cos 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 old thing happens everyday
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’re all alone and there’s nobody else
You still moan, “Keep your hands to yourself!”
I’m down (I’m really down)
Oh baby 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.
Waaaao! Baby I’m down
Oh baby you know I’m down (I’m really down)
Oh yes I’m down (I’m really down)
I’m down on the ground (I’m really down)
Ahhhh! Down (I’m really down)
Oh baby I’m upside down, a yea yea yea yea yea
I’m down (I’m really down)
Oh baby I’m down (I’m really down)
I’m feeling upside down (I’m really down)
Ooo! I’m down (I’m really down)
Baby I’m down yea
Oh baby I’m down yea
Baby I’m down (I’m really down)
Well baby I’m down (I’m really down)
Well baby baby baby (I’m really down)
Oh baby I’m down
I’m down, down, down
Exploring the Lyrics: Heartache in Disguise
“I’m Down” by The Beatles channels raw emotion through energetic rock and roll. The lyrics tell the story of someone masking pain with humor, only to be met with indifference and laughter from a loved one. Lines like “How can you laugh when you know I’m down” highlight vulnerability and the desire for empathy in a relationship. The song cleverly juxtaposes upbeat, lively music with the narrator’s feelings of rejection, emphasizing the frustration of not being understood or taken seriously.
Relationship Struggles and Irony
Paul McCartney’s lyrics focus on everyday disappointments, like a man buying a ring just for the woman to throw it away, underscoring the cyclical nature of romantic letdowns. The refrain, shouted with conviction, captures the desperation and irony of seeking comfort from someone who dismisses your feelings. Ultimately, “I’m Down” is both an anthem for the heartbroken and a testament to The Beatles’ ability to blend emotional depth with catchy, memorable rock.
Song Credits
Songwriters: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Release Year: 1965
Label: Parlophone