Getting Down the Germs

"Getting Down the Germs"
Single by Gerard Way
Released	November 15, 2018
Genre	Indie rock
Length	4:51
Label	Reprise
Songwriter(s)	Gerard Way Ray Toro Doug McKean Sara Andon
Producer(s)	Gerard Way Doug McKean Ray Toro
Gerard Way singles chronology
"Baby You're a Haunted House" (2018) "Getting Down the Germs" (2018) "Dasher" (2018)

"Getting Down the Germs" is a solo track by Gerard Way, released as a single on November 15, 2018. The song was written in collaboration with Ray Toro. ^[1] Flutist Sara Andon and producer Doug McKean are also listed as collaborators. ^{[2] [3]}

Background

In a statement Way said, “I had really been wanting a song that featured the flute prominently for quite some time. It sits in there perfectly, like it was made to pay the song a visit. The whole song reminds me of wiggling squiggling wormy germs. It’s a very calm affair that shows a peek into where I may be heading musically.” ^{[4] [5]}

In an interview Way explained, "‘Getting Down The Germs’ means getting down, or swallowing the harder things in life. But in a positive way — taking the bad with the good. I find it interesting how a phrase can mean a whole other thing in the context of a song." ^[6]

Critical reception

Graham Hartman of Loudwire stated the song was a "stripped-down, feel-good song reminiscent of ’60s psychedelic music and new school indie rock." ^[7] Billboard released a review on Friday stating Way "stays true to his punk rock roots", while giving the listener tastes of "the great rock-music flute solos of the '60s and '70s". ^[8]

Music video

The lyric video, directed by Claire Marie Vogel, was released on November 15, 2018. It shows puppets fashioned as germs dancing to the song. ^{[4] [9]}

Personnel

• Gerard Way – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar
• Matt Gorney – bass guitar
• Ian Fowles – lead guitar
• James Dewees – keyboards
• Tom Rasulo – drums, percussion
• Sara Andon – flute

References

1. "Gerard Way Drops New Solo Single, Getting Down The Germs — Kerrang!". Kerrang!. 16 November 2018. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
2. "Gerard Way recruits Ray Toro on "Getting Down The Germs"". Alternative Press. 2018-11-16. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
3. "Gerard Way shares catchy new track 'Getting Down The Germs' written with My Chemical Romance bandmate Ray Toro". NME. 2018-11-16. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
4. "Gerard Way Reunites With Ray Toro on 'Getting Down The Germs' | iHeartRadio". iHeartRadio. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
5. "Gerard Way Drops New Single 'Getting Down The Germs' - News - Rock Sound Magazine". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
6. Leimkuehler, Matthew. "Gerard Way Explains Why He's Not Overthinking His New Music". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
7. "Half of My Chemical Romance Wrote a New Song Together - Listen". Loudwire. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
8. "Gerard Way Is 'Getting Down the Germs' With Infectious New Single: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-11-17.
9. "Check out Gerard Way's laid-back new track Getting Down The Germs". loudersound. Retrieved 2018-11-17.