“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Kris Kristofferson has always had a way of weaving gritty reality with raw emotion, and “Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down” is no exception. The song is a defiant anthem for anyone who’s ever felt beaten down by the world or struggled to hold onto their own identity in the face of overwhelming negativity. It’s not just about standing up against the people who want to drag you down—it’s about finding the strength to stay true to yourself, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you.
The song’s title alone carries a bite—blunt and unapologetic. It’s a phrase that has been used as a rallying cry for those who refuse to give in to cynicism and despair. Kristofferson’s gravelly voice and candid lyrics make you feel like you’re sitting across the table from an old friend who’s seen it all and still has the courage to keep going. There’s something undeniably comforting about the way he delivers this message. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything, but his words feel like a lifeline, reminding you that sometimes all you can do is grit your teeth and push through.
Musically, the song has a rough-around-the-edges country vibe that matches its rebellious spirit. It’s not polished or pristine—it’s raw and real, just like the emotions it speaks to. Kristofferson’s delivery is tinged with a sense of weary defiance, and the melody’s steady rhythm feels like the heartbeat of someone who’s been knocked down more times than they can count, but keeps getting back up.
Lyrically, Kristofferson doesn’t just dwell on the hardships—he celebrates resilience. Lines like “Keep on fightin’ for your freedom and your soul” resonate deeply because they speak to a truth we all know: life will try to break you, but if you can hold onto who you are, you’ve already won half the battle. The song isn’t just about resisting others—it’s about overcoming the internal voices that tell you to give up or settle for less.
“Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down” may be rooted in country music, but its message is universal. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, worn down, or defeated. Listening to it feels like having someone put their arm around your shoulder and tell you, “I know it’s tough, but you’ve got this.” And in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelmingly harsh, that’s a message worth holding onto.
Video
Lyrics
They’re killing babies in the name of Freedom
We’ve been down that sorry road before
They let us hang around a little longer than they should have
And it’s too late to fool us anymore
We’ve seen the ones who killed the ones with vision
Cold-blooded murder right before your eyes
Today they hold the power and the money and the guns
It’s getting hard to listen to their lies.
And I’ve just got to wonder what my Daddy would’ve done
If he’d seen the way they turned his dream around
I’ve got to go by what he told me, try to tell the truth
And stand your ground
DON’T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN
Mining roads
Killing farmers
Burning down schools full of children
Fighting communism
And I’ve just got to wonder what my Daddy would’ve done
If he’d seen the way they turned his dream around
I’ve got to go by what he told me, try to tell the truth
And stand your ground
DON’T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN