Ricky Nelson – Down the Line

About the song

Ricky Nelson Cruises Down Memory Lane with “Down the Line”

Released in 1958, “Down the Line” became a hit for Ricky Nelson, showcasing his smooth vocals and relatable lyrics about young love and nostalgia. Whether you heard it on the radio back in the day or discovered it more recently, here’s a closer look at this classic tune:

A Look Back at Young Love:

The song takes a sentimental journey down memory lane. Lines like “Remember when we used to walk / Hand in hand and talk” evoke a sense of sweet nostalgia for a past relationship. The narrator expresses a longing for simpler times and the innocence of young love.

Yearning and Uncertainty:

While the song reflects on happy memories, there’s an underlying current of yearning and uncertainty. Lines like “But now you’re gone, across the sea / Wonderin’ if you still think of me” suggest that the relationship has ended and the narrator misses his former partner. He questions whether she feels the same way and if their love can be rekindled.

A Catchy Melody and Lush Instrumentation:

“Down the Line” features a catchy melody that’s easy to remember and hum along to. The lush instrumentation, including piano, drums, and gentle backing vocals, creates a dreamy and romantic atmosphere that complements the song’s theme.

A Timeless Ballad:

Even though the song reflects on a specific time period, the themes of lost love, nostalgia, and yearning for connection remain universal. “Down the Line” continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a timeless ballad in Ricky Nelson’s catalog.

Explore “Down the Line” Further:

• Listen to the Song: “Down the Line” is available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube Music. You might also find remastered versions that offer improved sound quality.

• Explore the Album: “Down the Line” was originally featured on Ricky Nelson’s 1958 album Ricky Nelson, Vol. 2. Listening to the full album provides a broader context to the song and allows you to appreciate his sound during this era.

• Explore Live Performances: While black and white footage might be more common, you might be able to find videos of Ricky Nelson performing “Down the Line” live online. These videos offer a glimpse of his stage presence and how he connected with audiences.

Video

Lyrics

“Down The Line”

 

Well if you can’t be my lovin’ baby, you ain’t got the style
I’m gonna get some real darn love that will drive the cool cat wild

I wanna move, move on down the line
Yeah I wanna get some loving and love that’s truly fine

Yeah I wanna move on down the line
I wanna get some love that’s truly fine
She’ll be cool and do me wrong, she’ll be cool and twice as gone
We’re gonna roll on, roll on down the line
Aww, I wanna do right, do right all the time

Yeah I’m gonna move on down the line
I wanna get some love that’s truly fine
She’ll be cool and do me wrong
She’ll be cool and twice as gone
We’re gonna roll on, roll on down the line
Aww, I wanna do right, do right all the time

Yeah!

Mmm, I’m gonna show it ain’t so hot, I’m gonna get what you ain’t got
She’ll be cool and do me wrong, she’ll be cool and twice as gone
We’re gonna roll, on roll on down the line
Yeah I wanna do right, do right all the time

Well I wanna move on down the line
I wanna get some love that’s truly fine
She’ll be cool and do me wrong, she’ll be cool and twice as gone
We’re gonna roll on, roll on down the line
Aww I wanna do right, do right all the time
Yeah I wanna do right, do right all the time