The song "Down In The Bottom" by Howlin' Wolf tells the story of a man who is in a dangerous situation and urgently needs to escape. The lyrics depict a sense of urgency and desperation as the protagonist asks someone to meet him in the bottom, which could be interpreted as a lower or hidden place, implying secrecy or a plan to avoid being caught. The protagonist asks for their running shoes, indicating their readiness to flee quickly. They plan to exit through the window, emphasizing their desire to escape without being seen or detected. The line "I won't have time to lose" highlights the urgency of the situation, suggesting that the protagonist is either in trouble or trying to avoid something dangerous. The lyrics then address the person waiting for them: they ask this individual not to be late and to be ready to see them streaking by. This suggests that the protagonist will be running or moving very fast. The line "though my life is at stake" implies that the protagonist's life is in danger, intensifying the urgency and importance of their escape. In the following verses, the protagonist hopes that the person they are addressing will indeed see them when they come streaking by, as their life may be at risk. They mention having a bad old man, possibly referring to someone who is posing a threat or danger to them. The line "you know I'm too young to die" asserts the protagonist's desire to survive and implies that they feel they have many more years to live. Overall, "Down In The Bottom" portrays a sense of danger, urgency, and the need to escape a difficult or threatening situation. The lyrics suggest an individual who is desperate for their life and willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
