Get Downtown
Downfall Blues: Economic Struggle in 'Get Downtown'
Lyrics
Kim said, "Jimmy, you better get yourself
Kim urges Jimmy to get off the couch.
Op off of that raggedy couch
Kim expresses dissatisfaction with Jimmy's appearance.
I'm too pretty to work and I'm tired
Kim claims she is too attractive to work and tired of Jimmy's presence.
Of you uglying up my house"
Kim is annoyed by Jimmy making their home unattractive.
Jimmy said, "Baby, the guys at the top
Jimmy suggests that even those in powerful positions are struggling.
Are doing bad as the guys on the street"
Kim dismisses Jimmy's explanation and insists on financial support.
Kim said, "The guys at the top ain't about
Kim doubts that wealthy individuals would pay alimony.
To be paying alimony to me"
Encouragement to explore downtown for solutions.
Get downtown, see what you can find
Jimmy is advised to investigate options in the city.
Put your face in someone's that ain't mine
Suggestion to seek comfort elsewhere.
Looks like the unemployment blues
Observation of the impact of unemployment on Jimmy.
Are wearing out your house shoes
Jimmy's worn-out house shoes symbolize his struggles.
Baby, left when your boots came untied
Reference to someone leaving due to Jimmy's problems.
Jimmy said, "Baby, ain't you seen the news
Jimmy highlights the economic challenges evident in the news.
It's as far as the eyes can see
Comment on the widespread nature of economic issues.
Foreigners are coming in and doing our jobs
Blaming foreigners for taking jobs at lower pay.
For half of what they would've paid me"
Expression of frustration at reduced potential earnings.
You mean half of what you would've made
Clarification of the reduced income for unperformed work.
For something you've never done
Highlighting the irony of getting paid for nothing.
Sounds like the bright side to all this
Finding a positive aspect in the situation.
Jimmy is you're asking price went up
Jimmy's asking price has increased due to the situation.
Now get downtown, see what you can find
Reiteration of the advice to explore downtown for solutions.
Put your face in someone's that ain't mine
Repetition of the suggestion to seek comfort elsewhere.
Looks like the unemployment blues
Reiteration of the impact of unemployment on Jimmy.
Are wearing out your house shoes
Repetition of the symbolism of worn-out house shoes.
Baby, left when your boots came untied
Reference to someone leaving due to Jimmy's problems.
Jimmy said, "Baby, if I work for you're daddy
Jimmy considers working for Kim's father worse than being his son.
It's worse than being his son"
Kim disagrees with Jimmy's negative assessment.
Kim didn't like what he said one bit
Kim's disagreement with Jimmy's statement doesn't surprise him.
And it didn't surprise him none
Confirmation of Kim's displeasure with Jimmy's words.
She said, "My daddy took good enough care of my mama
Kim defends her father's care for her mother without much communication.
She hardly had to say a thing"
Reference to Kim's mother's minimal communication needs.
Jimmy said, "That's part of what's wrong"
Jimmy identifies an issue with Kim's family dynamics.
Kim said, "Don't you say another
Kim warns Jimmy not to continue speaking.
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