Pass It On Down

Album: Pass It On Down (1990)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by Alabama's Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, along with co-writers Ronnie Rogers and Will Robinson, this is the title track and lead single from Alabama's 13th studio album. The song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
  • Teddy Gentry brought the idea for the environmentally conscious track to there rest of the band. The lyrics lament acid rain, unsafe drinking water, the hole in the Ozone layer and other issues that are "bringing Mother Nature to her knees." Gentry explained in a Songfacts interview: "My son actually gave me the idea for the song. He was fishing and they had just released a thing telling people not to eat the fish out of the river anymore because there was high lead mercury content in the fish. So we were fishing and my son says, 'Daddy, think there'll be fish around when I have a son one of these days?' And he got me to thinking. We got together with the rest of the guys and finished the song."
  • This was featured in the 1997 thriller Fire Down Below, starring Steven Seagal as an environmental protection agent who uncovers a toxic dump conspiracy.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Concert Disasters

Concert DisastersFact or Fiction

Ozzy biting a dove? Alice Cooper causing mayhem with a chicken? Creed so bad they were sued? See if you can spot the real concert mishaps.

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.