“Get Down To It”: Humble Pie’s Raw, R&B-Infused Roar of Devotion
For those who bore witness to the seismic shifts in rock music during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Humble Pie stands as a formidable and often underrated force. Born from the ashes of two seminal British bands – Steve Marriott’s Small Faces and Peter Frampton’s The Herd – Humble Pie quickly forged their own path, blending gritty blues, hard rock, and soulful R&B into a potent, electrifying concoction. Among their dynamic output, “Get Down To It” captures their raw energy and unadulterated passion, a testament to their enduring appeal.
“Get Down To It” was released as a single in 1973, serving as a key track from their ambitious double album, “Eat It.” While “Eat It” itself made a significant chart impact, reaching #13 on the US Billboard 200 and #34 on the UK Albums Chart, “Get Down To It” didn’t achieve the same kind of massive single chart success as some of their earlier hits like “Natural Born Bugie.” However, its presence on such a prominent album ensured it became a well-known and beloved part of their live sets and a fan favorite. For those of us who appreciate the intricate tapestry of 70s rock, “Get Down To It” is a prime example of Humble Pie’s blues-soaked, hard-hitting approach, a track that truly demands to be turned up loud.
The story of Humble Pie is one of incredible talent, restless creativity, and ultimately, the pressures of the music industry. When Steve Marriott (vocals, guitar) and Peter Frampton (guitar, vocals) initially teamed up, the expectation was a supergroup of immense proportions. With Greg Ridley on bass and Jerry Shirley on drums, they formed a unit that was dynamic and unpredictable. While Frampton’s melodic sensibilities initially provided a balance, Marriott’s powerful, blues-drenched vocals and his desire for a heavier, more soulful direction increasingly defined the band’s sound, especially after Frampton’s departure in 1971. “Get Down To It” exemplifies this evolution, showcasing the grittier, more R&B-focused side that became their hallmark. The song itself was penned by the band’s driving force, the late, great Steve Marriott, demonstrating his prowess not just as a vocalist and guitarist but as a compelling songwriter.
Lyrically, “Get Down To It” is a straightforward, impassioned plea for directness and honesty in a relationship. It’s a no-nonsense demand for sincerity, cutting through any pretense or games. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and a desire to strip away superficiality to reach the core of what truly matters between two people. Phrases like “I love you, babe, do you know / I’ll be any place you want me to go / Save my love for you, yes I will / When you need love to help you, do not fear” speak to a deep, perhaps even desperate, commitment. It’s a raw expression of devotion, tinged with a slight impatience for anything less than complete transparency. For older listeners, it might bring back memories of passionate, unfiltered declarations of love, or the desire for unvarnished truth in relationships that felt complicated by unspoken doubts. It’s a song that cuts to the chase, demanding genuine connection in a world that can often feel full of facades.
Musically, “Get Down To It” is a quintessential Humble Pie track. It’s built on a driving, blues-rock foundation, propelled by Jerry Shirley’s thunderous drumming and Greg Ridley’s sturdy bass. Steve Marriott’s guitar work is fiery, but it’s his vocal performance that truly commands attention. His voice, a potent blend of grit, soul, and pure power, delivers the lyrics with an almost palpable intensity, full of the kind of raw emotion that was his trademark. The track also features prominent backing vocals, adding to its soulful, gospel-tinged energy. It’s a song that pulses with a live feel, reflecting the band’s legendary reputation as an electrifying live act. “Get Down To It” remains a powerful testament to Humble Pie’s enduring legacy, a band that delivered uncompromising, hard-hitting rock and roll with a soul that resonated deeply, reminding us of an era when music was visceral, honest, and gloriously untamed.