The song “Trouble Go Down” began as a clawhammer banjo melody written by Jeff Taylor. We were sitting in my studio going through songs and Jeff said, “Hey, I’ve got this melody I want you to hear. Can I use your banjo?” It was immediately memorable, and sounded like it was written ages ago. We recorded a quick demo and sent it to Rebecca for lyrics. Rebecca sent back this mixture of her Kentucky upbringing and King James English, like a song passed down orally for generations.
“Trouble Go Down” is a fitting title track for the record in these turbulent days of unrest in our world and country. The melody and lyrics speak of deeper and stronger and better things, that we can have an inner refuge and place of rest no matter what is going on externally – we can live and be and act from a place of peace rather than from stress and fear.
Since Jeff’s original conception of this song was with banjo, I played banjo on the track with Jeff’s piano, pump organ, and accordion. I added a 1946 Martin 00-18 and Sierra Hull on mandolin, Mark Fain on bass, and the great Stuart Duncan on fiddle. Suzanne Cox sang vocal above my voice, Jeff sings just below me, and Jay Forbes added his huge bass voice to the mix.
Trouble Go Down
Music: Jeff Taylor/Seek 1st/ASCAP
Lyrics: Rebecca Reynolds/Wynken Owl/BMI
Trouble go down, the Savior calleth Trouble go lay thee down Trouble go down, my Jesus calleth Mercy rain around, round.
Worry go down, the Savior calleth Worry go lay thee down Worry go down, my Jesus calleth Mercy rain around, round
Dare you resign thy burden, Brother Dare you resign, thy pain? Dare you recline upon thy Shepherd Sendeth He the mercy rain.
Dare you resign thy burden, Sister Dare you resign, thy pain? Dare you recline upon thy Shepherd Sendeth He the mercy rain.
Sorrow go down, the Savior calleth Sorrow go lay thee down Sorrow go down, my Jesus calleth Mercy rain around, round.
Repeat Chorus