About the song
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Down on the Corner is a quintessential piece of Americana that seamlessly blends rock and roll with the spirit of the open road. Released in 1969 as part of their album Willy and the Poor Boys, the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming a staple of classic rock radio and a timeless anthem of freedom and adventure.
Hailing from the fertile musical ground of California, Creedence Clearwater Revival, or CCR as they were affectionately known, captured the essence of the late 1960s counterculture with their raw, energetic sound. Led by the inimitable John Fogerty, the band’s music was characterized by its driving rhythms, bluesy guitar riffs, and Fogerty’s distinctive vocals, which carried a gritty authenticity that resonated with audiences of all ages.
Down on the Corner is a prime example of CCR’s ability to craft songs that were both commercially successful and artistically compelling. The song’s infectious melody and simple yet evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of a carefree lifestyle, inviting listeners to join in the journey. The opening lines, “Well, it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ‘n’ roll,” immediately establish a sense of ambition and determination, while the subsequent verses evoke images of open highways, dusty roads, and the thrill of the unknown.
Musically, the track is a masterclass in economy of means. The driving rhythm section, featuring Stu Cook on bass and Doug Clifford on drums, provides a solid foundation for Fogerty’s soaring guitar work. The song’s structure is straightforward, allowing the focus to remain on the melody and lyrics. This simplicity is a hallmark of CCR’s music, and it is precisely what makes their songs so enduring.
Down on the Corner has become a cultural touchstone, appearing in countless films, television shows, and commercials. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s universal appeal and its ability to capture the spirit of a generation. More than five decades after its release, the song continues to resonate with listeners, serving as a reminder of a simpler time and a timeless celebration of the open road.
Video
Lyrics
“Down On The Corner”
Over by the courthouse, they’re starting to unwind
Four kids on the corner trying to bring you up
Willy picks a tune out and he blows it on the harp
Down on the corner, out in the street
Willy and the Poor Boys are playin’
Bring a nickel, tap your feet
Rooster hits the washboard, and people just got to smile
Blinky thumps the gut bass and solos for a while
Poor boy twangs the rhythm out on his Kalamazoo
Willy goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo
Down on the corner, out in the street
Willy and the Poor Boys are playin’
Bring a nickel, tap your feet
Down on the corner, out in the street
Willy and the Poor Boys are playin’
Bring a nickel, tap your feet
You don’t need a penny just to hang around
But if you’ve got a nickel, won’t you lay your money down?
Over on the corner, there’s a happy noise
People come from all around to watch the magic boy
Down on the corner, out in the street
Willy and the Poor Boys are playin’
Bring a nickel, tap your feet
Down on the corner, out in the street
Willy and the Poor Boys are playin’
Bring a nickel, tap your feet
Down on the corner, out in the street
Willy and the Poor Boys are playin’
Bring a nickel, tap your feet
Down on the corner, out in the street
Willy and the Poor Boys are playin’