On his 2020 album McCartney III, Paul McCartney explores many moods — intimacy, playfulness, reflection — but “Deep Down” stands out as one of the most hypnotic and unexpected tracks. It isn’t a pop anthem or a delicate ballad; instead, it unfolds like a meditative groove, built on layers of rhythm and repetition, as if Paul is letting us drift inside his stream of thought.
The song begins with a steady, pulsing rhythm and low, moody textures that set a contemplative tone. Unlike the bright acoustic moments elsewhere on the record, this track leans into something more atmospheric. McCartney’s voice, relaxed and almost conversational, circles around the refrain: “Wanna get deep down, wanna get deep down…” The repetition becomes mantra-like, pulling the listener into a trance, as though he’s inviting us not just to listen, but to sink inward.
Musically, “Deep Down” feels closer to an experiment than a conventional song. Synth flourishes, muted horns, and layered beats swirl around the vocal, creating a soundscape that’s equal parts playful and introspective. It carries echoes of McCartney’s more avant-garde side — the part of him that created McCartney II or dabbled in experimental projects like Fireman.
Lyrically, the words are sparse, but that’s the point. This isn’t about storytelling; it’s about mood, desire, and emotion distilled into rhythm. Paul doesn’t try to explain what “deep down” means — instead, he lets the music itself embody the search for depth, connection, and release.
What makes the song powerful is its honesty. At nearly 80 years old, McCartney could have leaned entirely on nostalgia, yet here he is, still chasing new grooves, still experimenting with form and sound. “Deep Down” isn’t trying to be a hit — it’s Paul following his instincts, letting the music guide him, and inviting us to join him in that space.
In the end, “Deep Down” is less a pop song than a meditation, a slow dive into mood and feeling. It reveals McCartney’s restless curiosity, his refusal to stop exploring, and his willingness to share not just polished melodies, but raw, atmospheric experiments. It may not be the most immediate track on McCartney III, but in its shadows and rhythms, it offers something lasting: the sound of an artist still searching, still alive with possibility.