"Down" is a song by the band 311. It is the first song on their third album, '' 311''. It was their first #1 single on the ''

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, and along with their self-titled album, was largely responsible for launching them into mainstream success. An accompanying video for the song was in rotation on

MTV MTV (an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable television television channel, channel and the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group sub-division of the Paramount Media Networks division of Paramount Global. Launched on ...

at the time of its release. Due to its massive popularity it was also included as the first song on their live album, ''

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'', and on their greatest hits album, ''

Greatest Hits '93–'03 ''Greatest Hits '93–'03'' is the first compilation album by 311. It was released on June 8, 2004, on Volcano Entertainment. Track listing Personnel 311 * Nick Hexum – vocals, guitar * SA Martinez – vocals, DJ * Chad Sexton – drums * ...

''. Since its release it has also become a staple of their live concerts, and is usually dedicated "to all the old-school 311 fans." However, following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it was placed on the list of post-9/11 inappropriate titles distributed by Clear Channel. "Down" was released as

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for the

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'' on October 2, 2012. It has also been featured in other video games such as Big Air Freestyle,

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, and Major League Baseball 2K7.

Composition

On the lyrical inspiration, Nick Hexum said, "It was the idea, 'If I ever didn't thank you, then just let me do it now.' It was both to our fans and me saying to the other band members, 'What a trip it's been to come from Nebraska, with pretty much nothing but a dream, and then to see it come true, and the unity we have in the band - the all for one, one for all spirit.'" "Down" contains

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vocals,

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guitars and turntable scratches. At ''

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'', the song was compared to the band

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, and described it as having a "dynamic" verse.

Music video

The music video consists of the band performing in a warehouse and includes scenes of the band members singing the song in various backgrounds, such as a rotating coin, a circle with flowing sparks, dancing in front of a paper wall display. Also included are scenes in which the band members are meditating with an obese spiritual man who sometimes floats in the air through the power of meditation while one of the band members experiences it.

Track listing

Charts

Certifications

Cover versions

*Grindcore band

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parodied the song on their 1997 album ''I Like It When You Die'' with the title "311 Sucks." It features the riff of "Down" and rapped gibberish nonsense lyrics, concluding with lead singer Seth Putnam screaming "You fucking suck!"I Like It When You Die Liner Notes *On July 20, 2018,

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released a cover version of this song, while 311 released a "reggaefied" version of the latter's " Self Esteem". Those cover versions coincided with the beginning of their 2018 Never Ending Summer co-tour.

References

External links

* {{authority control 1996 singles 311 (band) songs Songs written by Nick Hexum Songs written by SA Martinez 1995 songs Capricorn Records singles