I Don’t Wanna Go Down to the Basement Lyrics

[Chorus]
Hey, daddy-o
I don't want to go down to the basement
There's something down there

I don't wanna go
Hey, Romeo
There's something down there
I don't want to go down to the basement

[Chorus]
Hey, daddy-o
I don't want to go down to the basement
There's something down there
I don't wanna go

Hey, Romeo
There's something down there
I don't want to go down to the basement

[Chorus]
Hey, daddy-o
I don't want to go down to the basement
There's something down there
I don't wanna go
Hey, Romeo
There's something down there
I don't want to go down to the basement

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About

Genius Annotation

Lyrically, Dee Dee and Joey Ramone reportedly wrote this song as an homage to the horror movie trope of victims foolishly running down to the inescapable basement while being chased by a killer. Others argue it’s from the perspective of parents wary of their kids' band practicing in the basement.

Musically, the hook was likely lifted straight from the intro of David Bowie’s “Hang Onto Yourself”.

Credits
Backing Vocals
Lead Vocals
Release Date
April 23, 1976
I Don’t Wanna Go Down to the Basement Covers
I Don’t Wanna Go Down to the Basement Live Performances
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