For the love of rock
Vol XI, Issue 2 – Don’t you let me down (01 May 2026)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– Don’t you let me down
Band – Peter Criss (Kiss)
Writers– Peter Criss, Stan Penridge
Album- Peter Criss
Release year– 1978
Resources– Wikipedia.org
Don’t you let me down
KISS is a hard rock band whose fame in the seventies and early eighties remained unparalleled. They have numerous hot numbers to their credits and are well loved by rock fans all over the world. Formed by Paul Stanley (Rhythm guitars/vocals), Gene Simmons (Bass guitars/vocals), Ace Frehley (Lead guitars/vocals) and Peter Criss (Drums/vocals) in New York in 1973, they were an amazing band with incredible hit numbers, extraordinary face painting make ups and elaborate stage shows. In 1978, they were at the commercial peak of their career, with 4 platinum albums just under two years. During this era, they ventured out for something extra-ordinary. All the 4 members released 4 solo albums under the name KISS, with similar album covers, with no artists contributing any to the other. This was perhaps their method of easing the tensions among the members, to showcase their own creativity; or maybe it was a very attractive market ploy. Whatever, all the albums were successful and consolidated KISS’s success further.
Peter Criss’s debut album is considered one of the weakest among all the solo members. Perhaps, when we consider the different art pieces, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
“Don’t you let me down” is one of the highlights of Peter Criss’ solo album. This tender ballad definitely proves that the person sitting behind the drum kit can also sing, compose and make people move with their smooth lyrics and melody.
The song begins with a hooky bass by Bill Bodine, along with soft drums and guitar. Peter Criss starts with his gentle voice and begins a mesmerizingly innocuous ballad. A simple ballad praying the lover to be around, this slow masterpiece does not have any catchy solo but the harmonious vocals, Richard Gresteins’ humming keyboards, and Stan Penridge and Art Munson’s rhythm guitar creates a perfectly soothing ballad.
Yes, Peter Criss’ solo effort may have not fared well in comparison to his bandmates, but he definitely does not let any rock fan down with this lovely ballad “Don’t you let me down!”
Happy listening!!!
Don’t you let me down
Baby
Don’t you let me down (don’t you let me down)
Don’t you leave me lonely (don’t you leave me lonely)
Don’t you run around
I said, baby (baby)
When I’m on the ground, yeah (when I’m on the ground)
Try to keep my chin up
Feel I’m fallin’ farther down
(Ooh) You know I’m feelin’ sorry
But I know that won’t do
(Ooh) Looks like there’s no tomorrow
There’s no tomorrow without you
Baby (baby)
Don’t you let me down (don’t you let me down)
Don’t you leave me lonely (don’t you leave me lonely)
Or run around
I said, baby (baby)
When I’m on the ground, oh yeah (when I’m on the ground)
Try to keep my chin up
Feel I’m fallin’ farther down
(Ooh) Remember when you smiled so bright
Bring my heart up to my throat
(Ooh) Sure took hard times to drag me down
So, darlin’, brighten up all of my hopes
Baby (baby)
When I’m on the ground, yeah (when I’m on the ground)
Try to keep my chin up
Feel I’m fallin’ farther down
Try to keep my chin up
Feel I’m fallin’ farther down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Fallin’ down, down, down
Lyrics – https://genius.com/Peter-criss-dont-you-let-me-down-lyrics
Video link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zSl_FIc054
Resources- Wikipedia.org, allmusic.com