The song "Down In The Bottom" by John Mellencamp is a cover of a blues classic originally written and performed by Willie Dixon. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is in a difficult situation and needs to escape to the "bottom," which represents a place of refuge or safety. In the song, the narrator asks someone to meet him at the bottom and bring him his running shoes, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He plans to escape through a window and doesn't have time to waste. The narrator also warns the person that when they see him running, they should not be late and should understand the seriousness of the situation. He acknowledges the danger he is facing but hopes that the person will be able to see him when he goes by. The lyrics further suggest that the narrator is involved in a risky situation, possibly with a dangerous partner. He mentions having a "bad old man" but indicates that he himself is too young to die. This implies that he wants to escape this dangerous relationship and leave the place behind. Overall, the song portrays a sense of urgency and desperation, with the narrator needing to flee from a dangerous situation and hoping for someone to support him in his escape.
