Down for the Third Time
The story of the song
The Story of the Song
“Down for the Third Time” is the final song on Bobby Caldwell’s 1978 debut album, a slow-burning ballad he wrote himself. It was released as a single in the UK and Canada in 1979, and in the decades since it has found new life with hip-hop producers and soul bands alike.
Quick facts
| Written by | Bobby Caldwell |
|---|---|
| Album | What You Won’t Do for Love (1978) |
| Label | Clouds / TK Records |
| Singles | 1979: UK (T.K. Records, B-side “My Flame”) and Canada (B-side “Can’t Say Goodbye”) |
The last word
On the original LP, “Down for the Third Time” closes side two, the last word on an album that introduced Bobby as a singer, writer and multi-instrumentalist. It was recorded at TK Studios in Hialeah, Florida, alongside “What You Won’t Do for Love” and “My Flame.”
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A single abroad
In 1979, T.K. Records released the song as a single in the UK, with “My Flame” on the B-side, and in Canada, backed with “Can’t Say Goodbye.”
A favorite of beatmakers
Like much of the debut album, the song has been sampled again and again. Among the records built on it are Delroy Edwards’s “Down 4 Tha 3rd Time” and Ryan Hemsworth’s “Good Things Can Never Last.”
Keep listening
More Song Stories
1978
What You Won’t Do for Love
The hit that introduced Bobby to the world, from a heart-shaped single to 2Pac.Read the story1978My Flame
The debut-album ballad behind The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Limit.”Read the story1980Open Your Eyes
The song Common built “The Light” on.Read the story1982Jamaica
Bobby’s tribute to his friend Bob Marley.Read the story1986The Next Time I Fall
Written with Paul Gordon, a No. 1 for Peter Cetera and Amy Grant.Read the story1988Heart of Mine
Written for Boz Scaggs, then the title song of Bobby’s 1989 album.Read the story1988All or Nothing at All
An original written with Dennis Matkosky for Al Jarreau.Read the story1991Stuck on You
The orchestral title song of his 1991 album.Read the storyListen
Dive into the timeless sounds of Bobby Caldwell, the legendary singer and songwriter behind the classic hit “What You Won’t Do For Love.” Experience his soulful voice and smooth jazz melodies that have captivated audiences for decades. You can enjoy Bobby Caldwell’s extensive catalog on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other major streaming platforms. Discover why his music continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.
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