"Down Hard" is a song that draws heavily from Blind Willie Johnson’s style, particularly his rendition of "You're Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond." In Johnson's version, he played the melody against a single chord drone, implying harmony through his lines. I took that inspiration and decided to lay out the chord harmony directly under the melody and vocal lines for this track.
The story behind "Down Hard" is a universal one, reflecting the harsh reality of living paycheck to paycheck in modern America, where many people have no safety net. Originally written for the “Grace” album, the song also ties into themes from the Great Depression, when countless people were out of work and homeless. The rhythm in "Down Hard" mimics the sound of railcars, paying homage to those who jumped freight trains, hoping for a better life in a new place.
With this song, I aim to highlight just how easily someone can fall from security to homelessness, and I hope it encourages empathy and action to help those in need.