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World Party — Way Down Now
Album: Goodbye Jumbo
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1762








Released: 1990
Length: 3:38
Plays (last 30 days): 3
Inside my TV eye
Never stopped to wonder why
I'm way down now
I'm way down now

Some faceless get on the screen
The most honest man I've ever seen
I'm way down now
I'm way down now

Won't you show me something true today?
C'mon and show me anything but this

She took us by the hand
Hell was the promised land
I'm way down now
I'm way down now

I'm lying by the road
'Cause she cut off all my clothes
I'm way down now
I'm way down now

Won't you show me something true today?
C'mon and show me anything but this

Inside my future eye
What I see just makes me cry
I'm way down now
I'm way down now

The clocks will all run backwards
All the sheep will have two heads
And Thursday night and Friday will be on Tuesday night instead
And all the times will keep on changing
And the movement will increase
And there's something about the living, babe, that sends me off my feet
There's breeding in the sewers
And the rats are on their way
They're clouding up the images of my perfect day
And I know I'm not alone
And I know I'm not alone
And I know I'm not alone

Anything but this
Can you hear me?
I said, inside my TV eye
I never stop to wonder why
I'm way down now
I'm way down now
Then some faceless get comes on my screen
The most honest man I've ever seen
I'm way down now
I'm way down now

Something new
Something true

Something new
Something true

Something new
Something true
Comments (213)add comment
Very sad news that the wonderful Karl  Wallinger has died.  Such a great body of work.
SO good! Oooo ooooo!
 MrStatenIsle wrote:

Little nod to the Stones towards the end.


Yes, a nod, a small tribute even, not a rip-off of Sympathy For the Devil, which so many seem to be suggesting. I think if that were the case, they wouldn't have been quite so obvious about it. Relax, people! 
First exposure was Ship of Fools on SNL. Been a big World Party fan ever since!
Kundalini Express anyone?
 wifesboyfriend wrote:

These guys were like proto- Rusted Root.



and also much, much better.
Wow - Nice theme William! 🤣
This is a fantastic song, on an even better album all the way through… brilliance by Karl Wallinger
These guys were like proto- Rusted Root.
 TC1 wrote:


Get over yourself. I've been watching SNL since it premiered, they put on whomever is popular at the time, in the NYC area for a concert, or recently released new music. The music acts of the past align with your internal bias, do a little digging and see what I'm saying is true. 


Whatever year you think music started to suck is the year your life started to suck.
Damn....the memories... I ran across the house to see who this is...
Waiting for the End of the World followed by Way Down Now.  If we're striving for grimly amused we have arrived.
joyous
 timmus wrote:
I would say about 30-40% of what SNL puts on these days is a blend of modern day trash culture and performers that just perform, i.e. they have no role in actually CREATING the songs.

Back in the old days, just about all the SNL bands represented the healthy side of the music scene: singer-songwriters, garage bands, and the kind of good talent that record company A&R people used to seek out before they were all put out to pasture.


Get over yourself. I've been watching SNL since it premiered, they put on whomever is popular at the time, in the NYC area for a concert, or recently released new music. The music acts of the past align with your internal bias, do a little digging and see what I'm saying is true. 
 stretcher wrote:

What a great song!  I hear shades of Sympathy for the Devil near the end there... "woo - woooo!".  Love it.



 SmackDaddy wrote:
Can't stand 99% of the acts they have on now. It's not just generational, most of it is just f'n bad.
 
I would say about 30-40% of what SNL puts on these days is a blend of modern day trash culture and performers that just perform, i.e. they have no role in actually CREATING the songs.

Back in the old days, just about all the SNL bands represented the healthy side of the music scene: singer-songwriters, garage bands, and the kind of good talent that record company A&R people used to seek out before they were all put out to pasture.
 stretcher wrote:

What a great song!  I hear shades of Sympathy for the Devil near the end there... "woo - woooo!".  Love it.



Shades? It's broad daylight ripped off.
 Phlegmaticman wrote:


Back when SNL used to help with good music discovery.


Can't stand 99% of the acts they have on now. It's not just generational, most of it is just f'n bad.
This is still one of the best albums I own.  The total is greater than the sum of its parts.
 MrStatenIsle wrote:

Little nod to the Stones towards the end.



from the beginning to the end
 thewiseking wrote:

entirely derivative and instantly forgotten


How do I remember it so well after 30 years then?
Hmmm… are The Rolling Stones and World Party the only bands that have “Woo-Hoo’d”?!? From the previous comments you might think so…🤔🤨
Memories of 20-25 years ago... a happier and more carefree time.
 
I'm also surprised this is a 1990 song... I would squarely place it at 1999-2000.  It has the same sort of sound as New Radicals.
 Phlegmaticman wrote:


Back when SNL used to help with good music discovery.



Back when SNL was still kind of good at all.
 sfyi2001 wrote:
First heard this when they played it on Saturday Night Live in 1990. 

{#Crown} 


Back when SNL used to help with good music discovery.
As fresh now as it was 30 odd years ago.   
What a cracking good tune,a clear tenđź‘Ť
One of the absolute best albums of the era. Not ONE bad song on the entire thing!
What a great song!  I hear shades of Sympathy for the Devil near the end there... "woo - woooo!".  Love it.
"Something true!"

Like just ripping off someone else's song at the end?
Every song by them sounds a little more than borrowed from the Stones.
This album was so much fun - was glad to hear Karl W again! This song makes me smile
Still love me some World Party... so great to hear him played here.  Thanks RP!  
Little nod to the Stones towards the end.
 Easyrider wrote:
Terrific album,What happened to Carl?
 
Karl had a stroke, but has fully recovered. They were playing small venues about 8 years ago. He's a little heavier and balder, but his voice was still awesome.
I was an exchange student studying architecture in Aarhus, DK when this album came out  .   .   .  Terrific to hear again. When ever I hear this, it brings back great memories. 
entirely derivative and instantly forgotten
Wot this isn't the Stones?
First heard this when they played it on Saturday Night Live in 1990. 

{#Crown} 
 Hippostar wrote:

Wonder why that is.  Could be the blatant rip-off of Sympathy for the Devil?

 
in this day of shameless "sampling" and "mixes", i think it's ok to offer a reworking that is really good on one of those few stones songs that stand out even more than the others. i consider it to be a kind of  loose cover of sympathy. a nod to the maestros. 

jane's addiction did a complete rework of the song on sons of anarchy 2. it's really good too. 
 RabbitEars wrote:
more detail

(better cover image)
 
Thanks. I replaced our image with your better one. 
That's a  serious case of Fragile X syndrome, if ever I saw one.
more detail

(better cover image)
  rharvey658 wrote:
"Whoo Whoo...Pleased to meet you, Hope you guess my name..."


SeriousLee wrote:

Randolph?

 
no, it's Harvey but I looked
Most excellent.
thank I'm going to just give this guy a 10 for everything.
 rharvey658 wrote:
"Whoo Whoo...Pleased to meet you, Hope you guess my name..."

 
Randolph?
Great to hear this on RP, thank you! It's been a while.. 
 Mike_Sneade wrote:

He's touring again.  Small venues
 


 robertheston wrote:


  exactly what I was about to look for on google - I like it


 xkolibuul wrote:

Certainly much better than anything the Stones were doing in 1990.

 
True dat.

Not a big fan of the Stones though I do like much of their early stuff.

I think this song stands on its own even if it does sound a bit like early Stones.   
 DD gypsyman wrote:
World Party oft imitates the Stones. Not so unintentionally, methinks. But, its all good.

 
Certainly much better than anything the Stones were doing in 1990.
Taking me back....
All of that woohoo reminds me of Kundalini Express by Love and Rockets...

 gypsyman wrote:
Love World Party. And all the references to the Stones are dead-on. It wasn't an accident.

 
{#Cheers}   ........yer not wrong
"I stuck around St. Petersburg
When I saw it was a time for a change
Killed the czar and his ministers
Anastasia screamed in vain!"

 



"Whoo Whoo...Pleased to meet you, Hope you guess my name..."
 cartoon wrote:

yeah. reminds me on stones too.

 
Wonder why that is.  Could be the blatant rip-off of Sympathy for the Devil?
 Easyrider wrote:
Terrific album,What happened to Carl?
He had a brain aneurysm. OK Now I think.
 


World Party oft imitates the Stones. Not so unintentionally, methinks. But, its all good.
 kingart wrote:
Stones-y song. Way down better than some of the Stones, imho. I think I'll buy it. 
 
yeah. reminds me on stones too.
Stones-y song. Way down better than some of the Stones, imho. I think I'll buy it. 
mmm...memories...nice....
 oldsaxon wrote:
Woo hoo...how many ways can you say,  "the Rolling Stones"?
 
....
This post apparently contained an image that was dragged into the post editor. Sorry, but any text contained in the post after this point has been lost.
Loving this song....sounds like the early 90's
... not into this.  I think everyone else liked this song at one point when they were "way down now"...
Nice.  I haven't heard this song in...forever!  Thank you!
Woo hoo...how many ways can you say,  "the Rolling Stones"?
Terrific album,What happened to Carl?
Love this song, always gets played at 11
 
Love World Party. And all the references to the Stones are dead-on. It wasn't an accident.
 lemmoth wrote:
Another dose of Karl Wallinger who wears his influences on his sleeve.
 
I remember back in the day an interview with him where he said his "genre" is 60's music because that's what he likes and he's not apologizing for it. He was used to hearing criticism for it.
Won't you show me something true today?

Amazing how some songs just stand up even after 20 years. 
 prickelpit96 wrote:
Mick Jagger called and wanted back his musicians and his voice...
 
No, seriously, he wants his voice back because he can no longer carry a tune. Jagger, that is.

 citizenkeith wrote:

That's really funny! Except that he sounds nothing like Mick Jagger and the music sounds nothing like the Stones...
 
The stone's smell is all over this.
It's just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right.

Wallinger Rocks!

Must be played at 11! All time great song.
I FRICKEN LOVE THIS ALBUM... {#Bananajam}
 smackiepipe wrote:
Goodbye Jumbo was one of the best albums of the day, and was a terrific way to kick off the 90s (in my book) compared to the whole grunge movement. Too bad it was virtually ignored.
 

Yeah, I come back to this album a whole lot myself. Definitely worth checking out.
Goodbye Jumbo was one of the best albums of the day, and was a terrific way to kick off the 90s (in my book) compared to the whole grunge movement. Too bad it was virtually ignored.
 spaceman wrote:

And the very next song is "Rip This Joint" by the Stones.
Coincidence? Or whoo-whoo factor?
{#Tongue-out}

I don't mind little musical tips of the hat like this at all.
 
3 months and 3 days later it's the same playlist. :D
LOVE this song!
Fantastic
 Mickb wrote:
"Whoo - Whoos" sound very much like The Stones "Sympathy for the Devil!"
 
And the very next song is "Rip This Joint" by the Stones.
Coincidence? Or whoo-whoo factor?
{#Tongue-out}

I don't mind little musical tips of the hat like this at all.

Perfect song for Friday 5PM, thanks Bill
Another dose of Karl Wallinger who wears his influences on his sleeve.
{#Meditate}
 prickelpit96 wrote:
Mick Jagger called and wanted back his musicians and his voice...
 
That's really funny! Except that he sounds nothing like Mick Jagger and the music sounds nothing like the Stones...

Love World Party.  Love this song. {#Sunny}
The first song on this disc is my favorite!
 whtahtefcuk wrote:
Yaaaa.  World Party!
 
Hell Yeah!
Yaaaa.  World Party!
Everytime i hear a World Party song I wonder......"why don't i own any of their cds?!!!""
{#Dancingbanana_2}
Thank you Bill !!!!  I was feeling a bit down and this made my mood do a 180!

Songs like this always make me curious as to how much a band has to pay to another band that they make a conscious reference to.. and if they do pay them for borrowing the riff or whatever, why bother do it when it its going to cost you hard cash? Or are they all just good mates?

btw. I love World Party and think this songs easily stands on its own merits, so just curious about the legal technicalities, that is all..
Mick Jagger called and wanted back his musicians and his voice...
more world party is better...  bumper stickers should be issued

{#Clap}
Vanilla fudge with whipped cream, chocolate and some nougat!
But no song(s) - unless they are stolen!

Hoo hoo.... hoo hoo... hoo hoo...
Dear lord, where was I when I heard this last?! More importantly, what was I wearing? :)
Haven't heard this one in awhile! Not a bad little ditty!
YAY!
 newwavegurly wrote:

I heard that resemblance too...
 
EDIT: And it would appear that many others do too, now that I've backscrolled and read all of the comments for this song.  
 
was just about to say the same until i saw this post. still a good tune, though!

Get down....Way down now. World Party rocks the west coast! Bring it on Bill.
Love this old Whirled Potty....
Never fails, that first chord always makes me think it's going to be "Island Girl." Thankfully, it's this instead! LOVE it!{#Daisy}
This song never fails to make me want to get up and just dance because I'm alive. It appeals equally to my inner cynic and my inner hippie, heh. Love the gradual crescendo at "And I know I'm not alone..."
 annersjen wrote:

Who the hell are the Fruit Bats?

 
Check out the "Now Playing: Fruit Bats - Filthy Water"
(though it's not the song of previous note)

Love the band, the CD, and the song

How's Wallinger doing? I heard he was seriously ill....
"Whoo - Whoos" sound very much like The Stones "Sympathy for the Devil!"
 ihategrapejuice wrote:
the "whoo whoo"s at the end sound really similar to part of a Fruit Bats song - not sure who's imitating whom
 
Who the hell are the Fruit Bats?

I.....don't believe.  3.  Sounds like country music to me...this I believe.    Any negative comment on here I think should be followed by this:  It is still better than 99% of what's played on any clear channel-like crap on the radio.  thanks RP.

 nigelr wrote:
'Please allow me to introduce myself................."
 
I heard that resemblance too...
 
EDIT: And it would appear that many others do too, now that I've backscrolled and read all of the comments for this song.  
the "whoo whoo"s at the end sound really similar to part of a Fruit Bats song - not sure who's imitating whom
 cathenley wrote:
One of my all time favorite CDs....{#Bananajam}
 
Me2!

One of my all time favorite CDs...and yes, they've always had that kick ass sound of the Stones....{#Bananajam}
'Please allow me to introduce myself................."
I love the story about this guy (World Party is just one dude, Karl Wallinger, formerly of the Waterboys) = he allegedly holed up in a cabin with a mixer and reproduced the entire White Album, note for note, playing all the instruments himself, then emerged announcing himself ready to record his own debut album. Whether it's true or not, it's a great yarn!
How come some of Bill's album cover shots look like they were taken with a 40 year-old camera through the bottom of a dirty shotglass?