#18 - Don’t let me down - BAND-MAID REACTION - ULTIMATE BAND-MAID RANKING

[@Davey-Boyd]

Contrary to many myths out there, yes they did know about the lyrics (although Saiki said she was a bit shocked at first and that they had to explain them to Kanami)! Basically they were given demo's by their writers and they chose which ones to do. So they even chose it. Last time they played it live in 2021 they had a blast - Saiki turned and sang the lyrics to Kanami, both of them laughing. In fact they have played "Don't Let Me Down" live more times (123) than "Moratorium", "Endless Story", "Forward" or even "YOLO". I love it, it's a banger! (pun intended)!

[@jeffersoncosgrove1910]

Yeah, it's like twice as heavy live.

[@WilliamHallisey]

I interesting yhat the Tokyo Tower played a prominent part in the official music video of the song. LOL!

[@WilliamHallisey]

Naughty, naughty Maids!

[@Kissthetoad321]

@@WilliamHallisey Are you implying something? However K-Ross didn't notice it because of the music. This is what he will argue.🤣

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@WilliamHallisey Yeah that definitely wasn't a metaphor lol!

[@DeanF_MIDI]

Your dramatic reading had me rolling on the floor. My wife is wondering what the hell I am cracking up about.

[@rockyetsx70]

It's essentially Band-Maid's "Whole Lotta Love." And it was amazing to see Miku run in those platform shoes.

[@Retec]

Wonderful reading good sir! (It would have been perfect if you were in a leather wingback chair, wearing an ascot and holding a pipe!) 😜

[@daft73games]

lmao

[@jwoodjapan]

As someone who has lived in Japan for the past 45 years, I'd like to make a couple of points about this song. Firstly, sex in Japan isn't "guided" by religious prudery. Although many Japanese say they follow Buddhism or Shintoism, they don't really. Christians make up around 1% of the population, so they have almost nothing to do with social issues. This doesn't mean sex is a free-for-all, just that there's no religious guilt connected to it. Of course there are social rules for how to get along with others, including sexually. They're just different than those in western countries, especially ones that have or had Christianity as a moral arbiter. Secondly, for most Japanese, English doesn't really "count" as a language. It's not their native tongue, so it's more of a "play" language where they can say silly things. My college students loved saying the f-word and other inappropriate English words when angry, for example, because it was a way to show their feelings that wasn't socially risky compared to saying similar feelings in Japanese. How do you feel when you say "merde," for example? Most of us don't really understand how it is appropriately used by French speakers. It's possible that the Maids didn't mind the lyrics in this song because they weren't "real" to them (being all in English) or because while they are sexual in nature, they didn't see them as being dirty.

[@PANIC_aka_PinD]

Highly entertaining! I've always loved this song. There has been much debate about whether the girls knew what the song was about when they recorded it but the consensus is ... they did ;) .

[@chrisegbertky]

I probably listen to this song by itself with no reaction more than any other BM tune. I love the video but I love the tune even more. It is a very mood altering tune. I think the upbeat faster delivery keeps the song from bogging down. One of my favorites!

[@VegetaRabbit]

For me it is a sentimental favorite because It was the first BAND-MAID video I saw.

[@Kevin6059]

"That's a banger, no pun intended." Dude, that's the line of the month at least. 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@bandmaidfanATL]

This song spanks! Banger, Po! 🕊️🏃‍♀️

[@bsd1382]

Akane adds soooo much to this. Especially the pre-chorus bits.

[@Maidiac88]

They definitely have never let me down. And you didn't either with your fantastic dramatic reading. Great song!

[@Glenner7]

A reaction as well as a reading... wow!

[@charlescoleman4017]

Your reading of the lyrics and the look on your face was priceless! Thanks for that!! This is a banger in every respect!~

[@StoveLad]

13:51 "they are funny in a way" i know i had a good laugh watching this. thanks for that i haven't laughed like that in a month

[@devingalloway2708]

Oh, I've seen reactors play this and never know what it was about. Band-Maid something for everyone😊

[@philproffitt8363]

👍 I really like how wild Kanami looks rockin out the chorus in this MV 🥳

[@airlinesecret6725]

They never let me down, this is No1 so far for me, Run Miku Run PO!

[@EliseAutoXr]

Love this series!!! I struggle seeing Freezer marching down the list... this list is going to be rough for all of us :)

[@TlanImass]

For me, it’s only controversial because it’s got that Punk Rock sound which you aren’t too keen on. 😊 But, this song is amazing so no complaints with the ranking.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

The only time Band-Maid Let Me Down was when they stopped playing after a 2-hour plus burnin'🔥hot concert. I guess it was a good thing because everyone was sweaty (wet? ;-) and spent (spent? ;-)... except the Maids. 😅Thx, Ross!

[@jakeimhotep4866]

"This is a banger, no pun intended" ..... LMAO 🤣🤣🤘✌

[@ALAN_COX]

Your clapperboard 2nd take reminded me of when Miku did a clapperboard motion and said "take 2" for Misa's failure to open a beer during her "opening ceremony" at one of the stops on the previous USA tour. That girl's antics are too funny. I absolutely love this song. It is so heavy sounding. Despite the sexual lyrics, I always get emotional to the point of tears when I hear the song. I don't have a clue why it affects me in that way. The only thing in the song that is remotely sad would be the line "Cause our love is gone away". Perhaps it is hitting me at an unconscious level. ???

[@randymcmillen647]

"Don't Let Me Down" is almost as dirty as Anvil's "Toe Jam"

[@Parker--]

The most distracting part is when they sing “Pre-Chorus” in the middle of the song.😝 This song is a banger through and through. It honestly most reminds me of Sugar Ray’s ‘97 “funk metal” album (its really just punk), Floored, specifically Speed Home California and the bridge of Tap Twist Snap.

[@sugaanessena3143]

💜💛❤💙💚 This is one of the Band-Maid songs I've played the most. Love it. My new #1.

[@topographic1973ify]

😂😂😂😂🤟 It's only rock and roll but I like it.

[@Aaronacer]

You could make a Shakespeare soliloquy out of this. Look for to seeing you in Hyde Park

[@maximvazhenin3345]

That was comedy gold

[@Moodiac67]

Reportedly the citizens of Tokyo were warned that a wild Miku would be coming through and not to try to feed her....

[@sendarian]

Yeah this is a dirty mind song, and of course they knew what they were singing, they also were around 25 to 28 at the time, so they knew exactly what the lyrics meant and implied. And like every band maid song, totally a great song because they just never miss.

[@me262a1]

One of only a handful of their songs that doesn't have a lead "solo". When you get to Dice check out those lyrics too.

[@Pigeonholed-Po]

When has Band-Maid ever let me down

[@mbolden1]

Not sure if you have listened to many of the alt-idol group Bish’s songs, but the translation to their song Non-Tie Up is rated decidedly mature, might be worth a look.

[@nomennescio4604]

Brave man reading that...

[@mkoose]

Got you ;-)

[@Davey-Boyd]

My list so far: 1. Real Existence 2. Forward 3. Freezer 4. Be Ok 5. Arcadia Girl 6. Knockin on Your Heart 7. Don't Apply The Brake 8. Don't Let Me Down 9. Ai to Jōnetsu no Matador 10. Key 11. Thrill 12. Yoake mae 13. Price of Pride 14. Bye My Tears 15. Evergreen 16. Summer Drive 17. Big Dad 18. Beauty And The Beast

[@evilducks3710]

This will be the only song I demand lyrics for. I also mostly only care about the song. There are many English songs from Americans I could not tell you what they’re saying most of the time. This song however is hilarious and knowing the lyrics along with knowing the band as well as we do just makes it so much fun. Of all the band maid songs I listen to, this is the one my 5 year old loves the most. She tells my they’re singing “laughing dumb” not “don’t let me down” which… I find somehow fitting. 1. FREEZER 2. Don’t Apply the Brake 3. Real Existence 4. Thrill 5. *Don’t let me Down* 6. Arcadia Girl 7. Beauty and the Beast 8. KEY 9. Be OK 10. Price of Pride

[@scottmcgregor4829]

These ladies can ryhme in two languages in the same song.

[@AntonioMellor]

The guy who wrote this for them has actually covered it. It's bizarre to here him sing it.

[@jeffedwards9180]

The line "your body is mine tonight" is actually supposed to be "your balls are mine tonight" 😄 you can hear it in this MV.

[@DaElfer]

judging from the song Hate? I assume he let her down

[@rockandrollrockandrollrock6930]

True that they didn't write these lyrics but don't get it twisted, they are rock stars and have no problem being a little vulgar here and there for fun. On several occasions, I have been a part of the whole crowd going wild as Saiki commands "LETS GO FUCKING CRAZY!!"

[@Kissthetoad321]

Maybe you should have read the lyrics after listening to the song. We might have doubts about your ranking, Ross.😉Thanks

[@TJ-gs2sy]

bro, I'm telling you. this ranking series is killing you slowly. Most madiacs just finish the Epic Narative album (especially me, maybe more than 20 times). Many songs need the right time and the right mood to rank them. some songs might creep up to your top 10 later. man....keep it up! 😅

[@falconsooner]

I don't find your ranking controversial. I would have it no lower than 2 as well.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

9:24 ... It's not "body" btw...

[@stephenchigwidden7504]

I still miss the apron. Saiki is so sexy.

[@LS-uv9gg]

I love this song, but I am not a particular fan of repetition of lyrics in choruses. For me, one or two or at most three repeats of a line is ok, but that's the max. There are a few of Band-Maid's songs I would absolutely love more, but after hearing the same line 4 times or more, it turns to dislike. Hate! as an Instrumental, is awesome. With the lyrics? Nah, don't care for it. Don't You Tell Me is a great song, but honestly the "Don't you tell me" chorus sung over and over and over, positively grates on my nerves, lol.

[@chalfo]

Musically, should be a solid centre of the pack (whole catalog). Lyrically, as cringe inducing as CardiB’s WAP. Can’t listen to it. Like certain popular and critically-acclaimed comedies, if I have no empathy for the characters it’s just not funny. I can’t just laugh at stupid people being stupid, I simply don’t care whatever happens to them (good or bad). This is the same: the scene is set in first 10 seconds and I have no interest in the rest of the song. If they sang it in Japanese, fine (I just wouldn’t watch the subtitles) as I would interpret the aural narrative from something other than the lyrics, but in English it’s as unsophisticated as they get. At least I can believe that WAP is in part in-keeping with Cardi B’s character. Here I can't relate this to them at all. Oh and sorry, skipping ahead to conclusion. 1. Arcadia Girl 2. Freezer 3. Thrill 4. Real Existence 5. Forward 6. Price Of Pride 7. Don’t Apply the Brake 8. Bye My Tears 9. Summer Drive 10. Be OK 11. Key 12. Beauty and the Beast 13. Ai to Jōnetsu no Matador 14. Yoake Mae 15. EverGreen 16. Knockin on your heart 17. Big Dad 18. Don’t Let Me Down

yeah.. good luck not sexualizing them after this banger

[@alanscarfe6753]

Knew this was coming, and you did not disappoint. No, of course they had no idea what they were singing, and when they last performed it live a while ago they had apparently change the lyrics. I have always loved the song though, and your reaction was great, glad you liked it so much.

[@Davey-Boyd]

They certainly did know. (see my reply above). And last time they played it (2021) they didn't change the lyrics. In fact Saiki turned and sang them directly at Kanami - both of them laughing. In fact, it's one of their most played songs live.

[@tinyhato]

This one is really popular, but it's not for me. I think it sounds flat, lacking much of the dynamism and excitement of most of Band-Maid's catalogue. The whole song feels really repetitive to me and I'm not a big fan of the riff, which is one of the big things that people love about it. Thrill Freezer Real Existence Key Arcadia Girl Beauty and the Beast Knockin' On Your Heart Don't Apply the Brake Price of Pride Be OK Forward Ai to Jonetsu no Matadoru Summer Drive *Don't Let Me Down Yoake Mae Big Dad Show Them Evergreen

[@Davey-Boyd]

Interesting list! I wonder what it will take to knock "Thrill" off your top spot? (If anything ever will).

[@tinyhato]

@@Davey-Boyd I think "Thrill" will end up somewhere around 50-70.