Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) is a British rock band formed in Birmingham in 1970. They are well-known for blending rock and pop with classical music elements to create a unique symphonic sound.

Founded by Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan, ELO gained fame for its elaborate arrangements, which featured strings, synthesizers, and catchy melodies.

Over the decades, ELO has undergone lineup changes, with Jeff Lynne rising as the central figure, leading the band through multiple comebacks and new albums.

About the Song

Don’t Bring Me Down is about staying positive and not letting anyone’s negativity affect you. The singer tells someone not to make him feel bad or hold him back.

He wants to keep his spirits up and move forward in life. The song is energetic and encourages confidence and independence.

Meaning Behind the Song

The meaning of “Don’t Bring Me Down” is about a relationship where one person feels let down by someone who has changed and now acts as if they’re too good for them.

The singer is frustrated and asks not to be dragged down by this negativity, wanting to move on and stay positive.

The word “groos” in the song is actually a made-up word that sounded right to the songwriter.

Later, he learned it’s similar to the German word “Gruß,” which means “greeting,” but in the song, it doesn’t have a real meaning and was just used as a fun placeholder. Many people misheard it as “Bruce,” but it’s really just “groos.”

Don’t Bring Me Down Lyrics by ELO

Intro

One, two
One, two, three

Verse 1

You got me running, going out of my mind
You got me thinking that I’m wasting my time

Chorus

Don’t bring me down
No, no, no, no, no, ooh-ooh-hoo
I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don’t bring me down

Verse 2

You wanna stay out with your fancy friends
I’m telling you, it’s gotta be the end

Chorus

Don’t bring me down
No, no, no, no, no, ooh-ooh-hoo
I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don’t bring me down

Post-Chorus

Don’t bring me down, groos
Don’t bring me down, groos
Don’t bring me down, groos
Don’t bring me down

Verse 3

What happened to the girl I used to know?
You let your mind out somewhere down the road

Chorus

Don’t bring me down
No, no, no, no, no, ooh-ooh-hoo
I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don’t bring me down

Verse 4

You’re always talking ’bout your crazy nights
One of these days, you’re gonna get it right

Chorus

Don’t bring me down
No, no, no, no, no, ooh-ooh-hoo
I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don’t bring me down

Post-Chorus

Don’t bring me down, groos
Don’t bring me down, groos
Don’t bring me down, groos
Don’t bring me down

Verse 5

You’re looking good, just like a snake in the grass
One of these days, you’re gonna break your glass

Chorus

Don’t bring me down
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, ooh-ooh-hoo
I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don’t bring me down

Verse 6

You got me shaking, got me running away
You got me crawling up to you every day

Chorus

Don’t bring me down
No, no, no, no, no, ooh-ooh-hoo
I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don’t bring me down, down, down, down, down, down

Outro

I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don’t bring me down

Similar Songs Like Don’t Bring Me Down

If you are a rock fanatic or love the rock genre in general, here’s a list of songs that you might love to try out:

• Mr. Blue Sky: It is a bright and upbeat track known for its catchy melody and optimistic lyrics, often considered ELO’s signature song, celebrating sunny days and happiness.
• Evil Woman: This is a groovy, soulful rock song with a memorable hook, telling a story of heartbreak and betrayal wrapped in ELO’s signature rich production.
• Livin’ Thing: Energetic tune combines orchestral rock with a driving rhythm, holding the excitement and complexities of life and love.

Similar Artists Like Electric Light Orchestra

Here’s a list of similar rock-punk artists or bands that you might love to browse through:

• The Beatles
  Genres: Rock, Pop, Psychedelic Rock
  Top Albums: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Abbey Road, Revolver
• Queen
  Genres: Rock, Progressive Rock, Glam Rock
  Top Albums: A Night at the Opera, News of the World, Sheer Heart Attack
• Pink Floyd
  Genres: Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock
  Top Albums: The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, The Wall

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Don’t Bring Me Down Perform on Music Charts?

It was ELO’s biggest hit, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 in the UK, #1 in Canada, and #6 in Australia.

What Makes Don’t Bring Me Down Different from Other ELO Songs?

It was the first ELO single not to include a string section, marking a shift from their usual orchestral sound.

What is the Sound at the End of the Song Don’t Bring Me Down?

The song ends with the sound of a metal fire door slamming, recorded at Musicland Studios.