About the song
Roy Orbison – Go! Go! Go! (Down the Line) (Black & White Night 30) is a captivating performance of one of Roy Orbison’s early rockabilly classics. Originally released in 1956, "Go! Go! Go! (Down the Line)" was among Orbison’s earliest songs, composed during his time at Sun Records, where he worked alongside legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. As a pioneer of rock and roll, Orbison showcased his exceptional talent and versatility with this upbeat, energetic track that exhibits strong influences of rockabilly and early rock styles.
The Black & White Night 30 version of the song refers to a live recording of Roy Orbison’s celebrated concert in 1987, held as a tribute to his enduring legacy. The performance was part of a star-studded evening featuring luminaries like Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, and Elvis Costello, who joined him on stage. This rendition is a sign of Orbison’s timeless appeal and his role in shaping the foundation of American music.
While "Go! Go! Go! (Down the Line)" did not make a significant mark on the Billboard chart upon its original release, largely due to being overshadowed by Orbison’s later massive hits like "Oh, Pretty Woman" and "Crying," the song remains a testament to his early career genius. The "Black & White Night 30" compilation, however, has been praised as one of the greatest concert recordings of its time. Though the song itself and this particular rendition did not win any Grammy Awards, Orbison’s contributions to music have been widely recognized with multiple Grammys throughout his career.
In this live performance, Orbison delivers "Go! Go! Go! (Down the Line)" with passion and charisma, backed by his signature smooth vocals and expert guitar work, making it a must-hear for fans of rockabilly, classic rock, and musical history.
Video
Lyrics
updating