I Don't Wanna Go Down To The Basement by Ramones

Album: The Ramones (1976)

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Early on, the Ramones had a lot of songs that simply stated something they did or didn't want to do:

"I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend"

"Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue"

"I Wanna Be Sedated"

This song, written by guitarist Johnny Ramone and bass player Dee Dee Ramone, is about how they don't want to go down to the basement, since there's something down there.
This song was part of the band's unique live show for about a year before they recorded it for their first album. At clubs like CBGB, the Ramones would play loud and fast, going from one song to the next with a count-in but no other break. The songs were about two-minutes long (this one is a hearty 2:35), so they would pound through a set in about 30 minutes.

And if you think the words are hard to understand on the studio recording, imagine what Joey Ramone sounded like in a club setting, where he made even less effort to enunciate. On this song in particular, his vocals were comically mushy.
According to the Obsever Music Monthly, the Sex Pistols' Sid Vicious learnt to play the bass by listening to the Ramones' self-titled debut album and in particular this song. He applied this tune's bump and grind pattern to nearly every Pistols number that he played on.

Comments: 6

Alfie from FloridaThis song has Deedee Ramone written all over it, I'm surprised it wasn't his.
Wire Moonshot from WiremoonshotAre u guys mentally deficient? Lmao this song is about turning down the advances of the older gay men that cruised the area around CBGB’s. Where young boypunx gather chickenhawx will descend. As it was so shall it ever be. Because duh. Anyway, no bigotry intended. U do u. Just tellin it like it is.
Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganThomas The Tank Engine, what are you smoking, dude?
Thomas The Tank Engine from DunedinLittle know fact: this song was the inspiration for Celine Dion’s famous ballad “My heart will go on”
Bernie from Springfield, Pa"This song, written by lead singer Joey Ramone and bass player Dee Dee Ramone, is about how they don't want to go down to the basement, since there's something down there." LOL...
Zero from Nowhere, NjThis shows the Ramones' love for B-Horror movies.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Blame GameKanye West

Chris Rock appears on the Kanye West track "Blame Game."

Walk Like a ManThe Four Seasons

The Four Seasons' "Walk Like a Man," released in 1963, was the first Hot 100 #1 hit with a simile in its title.

Theme From ShaftIsaac Hayes

When "Theme From Shaft" won an Oscar in 1972, Isaac Hayes became the first African American to win in the Best Song category.

At This MomentBilly Vera & the Beaters

"At This Moment" was first released by Billy Vera & the Beaters in 1981, and hit #79. After it was used in two episodes of Family Ties in 1985-1986, it went to #1.

Brass In PocketPretenders

Chrissie Hynde got the phrase "Brass In Pocket" from a Northern England slang term meaning you had some money, "brass" meaning coins.

MC Skat Kat was created for the remix of "Opposites Attract," which was released as the last single from Paula Abdul's Forever Your Girl album. The team that created the Kat also did a-ha's "Take On Me" video.

Editor's Picks

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."