B-side "Low Budget" Format 7" single Length 5:58 | Released 5 September 1979 (US) Genre Rock, hard rock | |
Recorded January 1979 - June 1979 | ||
"Catch Me Now I'm Falling" is a song written by Ray Davies and first released by The Kinks as the second track on their 1979 album Low Budget. Written as a criticism of America's allies, the song depicts the fall of Captain America as a symbol of the United States' dire circumstances at the time. The song features multiple solos on different instruments as well as a riff similar to "Jumpin' Jack Flash."
Contents
The song saw single release in the United States and in the Netherlands. In the U.S. it had 'Low Budget' on the b-side, while in the Netherlands the b-side was 'In a Space'. The song has since made appearances on compilations and live albums.
Background
Like many of the other tracks on "Low Budget", "Catch Me Now I'm Falling" addresses then-current events. In this case the song shows lead singer Ray Davies portraying America in its time of need, with the lyrics criticizing both the U.S. and its allies that refuse to help it. Author Nick Hasted describes it as sounding as if "it could be a distress call from the last embattled radio station in an occupied land." Hasted also notes that it invoked memories of the United States' aid to Europe via the Marshall Plan to criticize countries that were not helping the country in its time of need. While another song on Low Budget invokes DC Comics hero Superman, "Catch Me Now I'm Falling" calls to Marvel Comics hero Captain America.
The riff is similar to those on The Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash." The song includes a saxophone solo that Billboard Magazine described as "hot," as well as a guitar solo by Dave Davies.
Release and reception
The song was one of two U.S. only singles taken from Low Budget (the other being "A Gallon of Gas") to be released. Despite being am FM radio hit, the song failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. It also appeared on the compilation album Come Dancing with The Kinks and in live form on the album One for the Road.
Hasted praises "Catch Me Now I'm Falling" for perfectly summing up the mood in the United States at the time "with a brilliant broad stroke." Music producer Clive Davis described the song as tapping "the malaise at the tail end of the decade." Music critic Johnny Rogan described the song as being "perfect" for live stadium shows. Billboard Magazine described the song as "sweeping" and "destined to become a favorite with fans" and rated it one of the top tracks from Low Budget. Author Bob Cianci described it as an "FM radio hit." But music critic Robert Christgau criticizes the song for lacking irony. Rolling Stone Album Guide critic Rob Sheffield calls it an "embarrassing novelty."