David Coverdale wrote this song about his time with Deep Purple (1973-1976) and the toll that being in the band took on him, and how the band tragically evolved towards its demise.
This song later appeared on Whitesnake’s Snakebite EP released on 1978.
Getting near the end now
I knew the time was right for a breakdown
Megaton surprise
But your eyes never made it a shakedown
Shot you full of rock and roll
Couldn't make your soul
Didn't burn you to the bone
Do what the man says, take the money and run
But I never saw the splendour
In stealing all your gold
Taking all your silver
And doing what I'm told
I never saw the tears
But I knew you cried for rhythm and blues
Screaming like a wildcat
I knew that I had nothing to lose
Shot you full of rock and roll
Couldn't make your soul
Didn't burn you to the bone
Do what the man says, take the money and run
But I never saw the splendour
In stealing all your gold
Taking all your silver
And doing what I'm told
It's just a breakdown
Breakdown
Breakdown
Breakdown
Shaking like a leaf in the wind
See me blowing away
Never see me fall on the ground
Till I've had my say
Shot you full of rock and roll
Couldn't make your soul
Didn't burn you to the bone
Do what the man says, take the money and run
But I never saw the splendour
In stealing all your gold
Taking all your silver
And doing what I'm told
It's just a breakdown
Breakdown
Breakdown
Breakdown
Getting near the end now
I knew the time was right for a breakdown
Megaton surprise
But your eyes never made it a shakedown
Shot you full of rock and roll
Couldn't make your soul
Didn't burn you to the bone
Do what the man says, take the money and run
But I never saw the splendour
In stealing all your gold
Taking all your silver
And doing what I'm told
It's just a breakdown
Breakdown
Breakdown
Breakdown
Breakdown was written by David Coverdale & Micky Moody.
Breakdown was produced by Roger Glover.