Dusty

Album: Down on the Upside (1996)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This contains the lyrics that spawned the title for the album: "I think it's turning back on me, I'm down on the upside."

    The word "Dusty" does not appear in the lyrics, but that's what bass player Ben Shepherd called it when he wrote the music for the song. When lead singer Chris Cornell added the lyrics, he called the song "Down on the Upside," but since Soundgarden doesn't like to name albums after song titles, they decided to use that as the album moniker and keep the song "Dusty."
  • The Techno artist Moby did a remix of this song. His version appears as the B-side for "Blow Up The Outside World." Moby opened for Soundgarden on their 1996 tour.

Comments: 4

  • Man from CalWasn't Superunknown title of song and album?
  • Ryan from Plano, Txthe song sounds a little too upbeat to be about anything as big as the demise of an entire genre that the band is/was a part of
  • Daartist from Long Beach , CaI cant say if find the lyrics so cryptic marcos. The song seems to be fairly clear and simple at explaining that wierd system of karma that everybody seems to notice but nobody can quit predict or explain. Luck and fortune seem to come and go in waves. We all seem to go through our periods of dry spells and frustration..when we cant win for losing..and almost magically ..fortunes seems to change and lifes problems seem to sovled so easily..and i think the song hints at how your attitude has something to do with the change of fortune...daartist LBC CA
  • Marco from Stanfield, United Statesok after reading the lyrics i say that it means that he knew soundgarden was going under because of the different views of the band members. so in the song he says "i think its turning back on me" hes talking about the domise of all other grunge bands like nirvana and now it was happening to soundgarden. and he says "everythings real to me" hes saying mabe that he feels strongly about his view on the matter and that the others are not listening to him.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Bible Lyrics

Bible LyricsMusic Quiz

Rockers, rappers and pop stars have been known to quote the Bible in their songs. See if you match the artist to the biblical lyric.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Which Songs are About Drugs?

Which Songs are About Drugs?Fact or Fiction

"25 or 6 to 4" to "Semi-Charmed Life" - see if you can spot the songs that are really about drugs.