Roy Orbison, the legendary vocalist known for his soaring vocals and dramatic ballads, wasn’t always shrouded in melancholic yearning. Early in his career, before his signature sound fully emerged, Orbison showcased a surprising side – a raw, energetic rocker with a penchant for rockabilly rhythms. This facet of his artistry is perfectly captured in the electrifying track, Go! Go! Go! (Down the Line), released in 1956.
While the exact songwriting credits are debated, with some sources attributing it solely to Orbison and others crediting Sun Records producer Sam Phillips, Go! Go! Go! stands as an early testament to Orbison’s musical ambition. Recorded during his time with Sun Records, the birthplace of Rock and Roll legends like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, the song pulsates with the raw energy of the genre’s formative years. Fueled by a driving backbeat and a prominent piano courtesy of Orbison himself, Go! Go! Go! showcases a side of the singer rarely heard in his later career.
Go! Go! Go! wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit, but it holds historical significance within Orbison’s discography. Released as the B-side to his debut single “Ooby Dooby,” the song offered a glimpse into the young singer’s potential. While his signature dramatic vocals haven’t fully developed, a hint of his powerful range can be heard in his impassioned delivery. Thematically, Go! Go! Go! deviates from his later ballads of heartbreak. The lyrics paint a picture of youthful exuberance, a desire for excitement and a restless yearning for a good time.
By dissecting Go! Go! Go!, we gain a valuable perspective on Roy Orbison’s artistic evolution. The song serves as a reminder of his roots in the heart of Rock and Roll, a genre built on raw energy and youthful rebellion. Go! Go! Go! stands as a fascinating counterpoint to his later ballads, showcasing the versatility of a singer who could master both heart-wrenching emotions and infectious rockabilly energy. This early track allows us to appreciate the full spectrum of Orbison’s artistry, from the raw power of his early days to the dramatic ballads that would define his career