Meaning of "Down Love" by Paul Westerberg

The lyrics of "Down Love" delve into the complexities of a relationship where both partners are struggling to find a balance. The narrator expresses a desire to turn their partner "way way down," indicating a need for space and quiet in the relationship. The repetition of "keep it down love" emphasizes this desire for quiet and control over the intensity of emotions. The mention of Hollywood and being "up to my neck" suggests an overwhelming environment where the narrator feels suffocated. The inability to find the partner's "volume knob" symbolizes a lack of control in the relationship, highlighting the chaotic and deafening nature of love. The final lines, "Love is deaf," indicate a sense of helplessness in communication within the relationship, where words may not be enough to convey the depth of emotions. Ultimately, "Down Love" captures the struggle for balance and understanding in a relationship where intensity and noise threaten to overpower the connection.