Down South
311 · Dammit
Hear it from the dover's mouth
The rhythm will make you want to move your body
I had it once and never ever forgot it
Feel the rhythm of rhapsody
Your body moves in raw ecstasy
Explosive eruption beyond compare
Take my advice don't think twice
Let me take you way down south
Step back cuz the funk is here and
The base is kickin' straight to your ear man
Because it's like that so don't talk back
And if you do then you're gonna get the back slap
Down south that's an enigma
But to you it's a stupid dumb stigma
That's right it's outta sight
Let me tell you 'bout my baby
She loves me don't mean maybe
She knows what I think and I don't have to say it
I love her so I don't have to play it
We sit and drink in the sun
I raise my glass and say she's the one
Cool breeze light squeeze life
Take my advice don't think twice
Let me take you way down south
Step back I'm about to get hectic
Chalk it up as another dialectic
Hard like a jam
Smooth like a ballad
Call it what you want but I call it sound salad
A salad grown in the garden of Eden
Seekin' out pleasures like my boys in Sweden
That's right the grooves tight like
Sit back just relax, let your mind unwind
Pull your good thing close, let tranquility surround
Psychedelic freak out taco funk frolic
Grind fiend roots 'core soul music what have you
Step back and think about the topic of this song
Strong innuendo end over end goes your brain
I won't say it's plain figure it out here's a clue
It's about winding, grinding, finding that spot
That get's her hot the joy of giving pleasure
Is beyond measure
Down South
Down South stands as a defining track from 311's 1996 album Dammit, capturing the band's signature fusion of rock, reggae, and hip-hop influences. Released during a pivotal era in their career, the song showcases the group's ability to blend heavy guitar riffs with laid-back rhythms, creating a sound that resonated with fans across multiple genres. As part of the Dammit catalogue, it reflects the band's maturation and their growing confidence in merging diverse musical styles into a cohesive whole. The recording highlights the chemistry between the band members, emphasizing their collaborative approach to songwriting and performance. While not always the most commercially prominent single, Down South remains a beloved staple in their discography, offering listeners a glimpse into the creative energy that defined the mid-90s alternative rock scene.