Humble Pie – Get Down To It: A Raw, Unfiltered Dive Into Rock ‘n’ Roll Energy
Released in 1971 as part of Humble Pie’s Rock On album, Get Down To It is a track that embodies the essence of unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll, combining raw energy with a groove-driven sensibility. The song, which stands as a signature of the band’s style, captures the gritty, no-holds-barred approach that Humble Pie was known for. It’s a track that hits hard from the first note and doesn’t let up, showcasing the band’s commitment to delivering an authentic, unrefined rock experience.
Written by the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist Steve Marriott, Get Down To It is less about intricate songwriting and more about the force of the performance. Marriott, known for his powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence, brings an infectious energy to the track, infusing it with a sense of urgency and aggression that draws listeners in. The lyrics are simple but direct, focusing on the theme of getting down to the business of life—living fully, without pretension or hesitation. It’s about pushing through the superficialities and getting to the core of what really matters, whether it’s music, passion, or connection.
Musically, Get Down To It is driven by tight, energetic instrumentation. The rhythm section, propelled by drummer Jerry Shirley and bassist Greg Ridley, lays down a solid, propulsive foundation that perfectly complements Marriott’s fiery guitar riffs. The song’s bluesy rock backbone is punctuated by moments of improvisation, allowing the band to flex their musical muscle and show off their improvisational chops. There’s a sense of looseness to the performance, as if the band is jamming together in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner, giving the track an organic, live feel.
The song’s high-energy vibe is a reflection of the band’s ethos—Humble Pie was a band that didn’t shy away from rawness or grit. They reveled in it, and Get Down To It encapsulates that spirit perfectly. It’s an anthem of rebellion and defiance, a call to embrace the intensity of life and live without hesitation. The track’s relentless drive creates a feeling of movement and urgency, compelling the listener to get swept up in its pulse.
The production of Get Down To It is unmistakably rooted in the early ‘70s rock sound, with its earthy tones, distortion-heavy guitars, and prominent percussion. The song has a rough-edged charm, lacking the polish of some of the more mainstream rock productions of the time. Instead, it feels more like a snapshot of a band that’s giving everything to the music—untamed, unpolished, and completely in the moment.
While Get Down To It didn’t have the chart-topping success of some of Humble Pie’s other tracks, it has become a beloved part of their catalog for those who appreciate the band’s no-nonsense approach to rock music. The song remains a testament to their ability to fuse blues, hard rock, and improvisational flair into a cohesive sound that was uniquely theirs.
In essence, Get Down To It is a track that doesn’t waste time with anything unnecessary. It gets straight to the heart of what rock ‘n’ roll is all about: passion, energy, and living in the moment. It captures the essence of Humble Pie’s sound—a potent blend of grit, groove, and raw musicality—and serves as a reminder of why they were one of the defining acts of their era. The song may not have been a massive commercial hit, but it resonates deeply with fans who appreciate rock music at its most primal and exhilarating.Video: