Getting Down The Germs

Album: released as a single (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This catchy punk track is replete with a psych-flute melody played by Sara Andon, recalling the work of such '70s rock bands as King Crimson and Jethro Tull. "I had really been wanting a song that featured the flute prominently for quite some time," Way said in a press release. "It sits in there perfectly, like it was made to pay the song a visit."
  • The idea for the song title came from one of Gerald Way's comic book editors. The singer recalled to Forbes that one day he complained he was stuck writing a comic and the editor told him "Just get the germs down. Just the germs of the ideas."

    Way added that in the context of the song, "Getting Down The Germs' means "swallowing the harder things in life. But in a positive way; taking the bad with the good."
  • Way wrote this with his former My Chemical Romance bandmate Ray Toro, who also who played the song's bass and drums.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

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.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.