Down
by Fifth Harmony (featuring Gucci Mane)

Album: Fifth Harmony (2017)
Charted: 47 42
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is Fifth Harmony's first single as a four-piece following the departure Camila Cabello. Their former member abruptly left the group in December 2016 to pursue a solo career.
  • Here, the girls are telling the objects of their affection whatever the flaws they possess, at the end of the day their love for each other will win out.

    I need somebody with some patience
    'Cause you know I got a temperament
    And yeah, you got a reputation
    Nothin' that a little love can't fix


    "It's basically just a love song," Normani told Music Choice. "But for us, also, anytime we perform it or we're in rehearsal, we kind of connect with each other because we've been through so much and we've always held each other 'Down.' Hopefully that's not cheesy… It's a little cheesy but it's the truth. We've been through so much. Through thick and thin, we've always got each other's back."
  • The song was written by:

    American record producer and songwriter Ammo, who also co-penned Fifth Harmony's "Work from Home". He has co-written and produced songs for the likes of Katy Perry("E.T.") and Maroon 5 ("Sugar").

    American DJ and record producer DallasK, who also contributed towards Fifth Harmony's "Work from Home". He is known for his collaborations with Tiësto, such as "Show Me" and "Your Love."

    American actress, singer-songwriter and model Jude Demorest, who is known for her roles in Dallas, Star, and numerous others. Her other songwriting credits include Brooke Candy's "Nasty."
  • The song debuted at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week dated June 24, 2017. It marked the girls' second highest debut on this chart, following "Work from Home", which entered at #12. Ally Brooke Hernandez recalled to The LA Times:

    "We found out in the car, and we were crying to each other. We were so excited. It felt so beautiful, and it pierced our souls. Everything that's come after has been a blessing."
  • "Down" has become something of an anthem for the four girls. "When you first hear it you probably interpret it as a love song, but when we're performing it, we're like, 'I'm gon' keep lovin' you,' and we look at each other when we say that," Lauren Jauregui told ABC Radio. "So it's kinda like, for us, it's about each other, and being there for each other, and holding each other down. And getting through all the bulls--t."
  • This won for Best Pop Video at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards. The girls performed the song on the show, with Gucci Mane joining in. To start the performance, five figures appeared in silhouette on a riser, with one falling off - a not-subtle reference to Camila Cabello's departure.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.