(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go
"(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go" is a funk/soul song originally recorded by Curtis Mayfield for his album Curtis (1970). The song was meant to serve as a warning regarding the state of race relations and the tempest growing in America's inner cities.
| "(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Curtis Mayfield | |
| from the album Curtis | |
| A-side | "(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go" |
| B-side | "The Makings of You" |
| Released | November 1970 |
| Recorded | 1970 |
| Genre | Acid funk,[1] psychedelic soul[2] |
| Length | 3:26 (single version) 7:50 (album version) |
| Label | Curtom CR-1955 |
| Songwriter(s) | Curtis Mayfield |
| Producer(s) | Curtis Mayfield |
Summary
The song begins with a woman proclaiming the virtues of the Bible's "Book of Revelation" over an introduction of fuzz-bass guitar and conga drums. Mayfield then shouts with a large echo overdub "Sisters! Niggers! Whities! Jews! Crackers! Don't worry, If there's a Hell below, we're all gonna go!" followed by a scream. The song then breaks out with a heavy fuzz bass, Latin percussion, wah-wah guitar and strings.
Albums
The song is performed live on the album Curtis/Live! (1971) and Live in Europe (1987). Studio out-takes of the song have been added to the CD re-issue of the album.
Covers and use
Punk rock band Antiseen have covered the song on their EP Hell. Narada Michael Walden performs this song on A Tribute To Curtis Mayfield.
The Afghan Whigs covered this song on their 1998 live EP "Live at Howlin' Wolf".
D12 samples this song on "That's How" from their album Devil's Night. Kanye West samples the introduction to this song on "Jesus Walks", from his album The College Dropout. N.W.A. also samples this song on "Niggaz 4 Life" from their album Efil4zaggin.
The instrumental beginning was featured in season 2 episode 20 of Fresh Off the Boat entitled My Name Is... .
The song was also featured in Dead Presidents.
In 2017, the song was also used as the opening credits theme song for the first season of the HBO drama The Deuce.[3]
Charts
| Chart (1970) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 29 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles | 3 |
References
- https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/aug/05/curtis-mayfield-10-best-soul-funk
- Lynskey, Dorian (21 May 2014). "Psychedelic soul: 10 of the best". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
- "The Deuce Season 2: What Is the New Theme Song?". Vulture. Retrieved 1 June 2020.