About the Song
If you think you know The Monkees solely by their polished pop hits, buckle up—because “Goin’ Down” will absolutely challenge those expectations. Released in 1967 as the B-side to their hit single Daydream Believer, this song is one of the most energetic, musically adventurous, and flat-out impressive tracks the band ever recorded. It showcases Micky Dolenz in a tour de force vocal performance that still leaves listeners wide-eyed decades later.
“Goin’ Down” isn’t your typical Monkees tune. It opens with a blazing jazz-rock arrangement—driven by a walking bass line, sharp brass hits, and furious drumming—that feels more like something out of a Greenwich Village club than a sunny L.A. pop session. Written by all four Monkees along with Diane Hildebrand, the song was a spontaneous, almost experimental piece, based loosely on Mose Allison’s Parchman Farm. Yet what emerged is utterly unique: a rapid-fire stream-of-consciousness narrative that moves with the speed of thought and the urgency of someone spiraling out of control.
The lyrics tell the story of a man stumbling—literally and emotionally—after being left by a lover. In a flurry of words, Micky Dolenz’s narrator plunges into a river and embarks on a surreal journey of self-destruction, confusion, and ironic revelation. His vocal performance is nothing short of astonishing: breathless, syncopated, and so rhythmically precise it borders on jazz scat singing. Dolenz reportedly recorded it in a single take—proof of his vocal prowess and the band’s growing musical ambition.
Though “Goin’ Down” was never a chart-topping hit, it became a cult favorite and a regular highlight at Monkees concerts. Fans adore it not only for its breakneck energy, but also because it reflects a side of the band often overlooked—their willingness to experiment, to embrace unexpected genres, and to push themselves far beyond the image of “a made-for-TV band.”
For those who enjoy songs that stretch boundaries while still swinging with infectious groove, “Goin’ Down” remains a thrilling reminder that The Monkees were far more than pop puppets—they were bold, creative, and full of surprises.