Cheer Down

"Cheer Down"
Single by George Harrison
from the album Lethal Weapon 2
B-side	"That's What It Takes" (US) "Poor Little Girl" (UK)
Released	24 August 1989 (US) 27 November 1989 (UK)
Format	7"
Recorded	March 1989
Genre	Country Rock
Length	4:08
Label	Warner Bros.
Writer(s)	George Harrison, Tom Petty
Producer	George Harrison, Jeff Lynne
George Harrison singles chronology
"This Is Love" (1988) "Cheer Down" (1989) "My Sweet Lord" (reissue) (2002)

"Cheer Down" is a country rock song with music written by George Harrison and lyrics written by Harrison and Tom Petty. The title is attributed to Olivia Harrison, who would tell her husband, "Okay, cheer down, big fellow," when he would get too enthusiastic.^[1] The song was first produced in 1989 for the film and accompanying soundtrack to Lethal Weapon 2 and released as a single to promote the film. It was later included in Harrison's Dark Horse greatest hits album Best of Dark Horse 1976–1989 as the final track. Although the compilation is no longer in print, "Cheer Down" was included on the 2009 career-spanning best of album Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison. The song was produced by George Harrison and Jeff Lynne.

It is unknown who the correct personnel are, but Harrison and Lynne's vocals are clearly evident. Tom Petty may also be providing background vocals, as the style of vocal sound similar to what the trio were doing in the Traveling Wilburys. The drums were most likely performed by Wilbury drummer Jim Keltner, while rhythm guitars were probably Harrison, Lynne and Petty. The slide guitar is all Harrison, but there are a few parts that sound similar to Petty's guitarist, Mike Campbell.

Track listings

• 7" 7-22807, cassette 4-22807

1. "Cheer Down"
2. "That's What It Takes"

• 7" W2696

1. "Cheer Down"
2. "Poor Little Girl"

• 12" W2696T, CD W2696CD, cassette W2696C

1. "Cheer Down"
2. "Poor Little Girl"
3. "Crackerbox Palace"

Cover versions

American dobro player, Rainer Ptacek performed this song in 1997 – it was later issued on Live at the Performance Center album in 2001

Notes

1. ^ Petty, Tom. "Remembering George Harrison", page 225, The Editors of Rolling Stone, Simon & Schuster, 2002, ISBN 0-7432-3581-9