DJ Allyn – The Soundtrack for my Life

Down on the Corner – Creedence Clearwater Revival  

Originally formed as The Golliwoggs in 1959, Creedence Clearwater Revival consisted of singer, lead guitarist, and primary writer John Fogerty, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty, bass player Stu Cook, and drummer Doug Clifford. Their musical style encompassed rock and roll and so-called swamp rock genres. The band’s songs are often cited as examples of patriotic, liberal American protest songs, and of good-time roots rock.

In 1967, they were offered a chance to record a full-length album, but only if the band changed their name. Not really liking The Golliwogs, the foursome readily agreed.

The band took the three elements from Creedence Nuball, a friend of Tom Fogerty; “clear water”, from a TV commercial for Olympia beer; and revival, which spoke to the four members’ renewed commitment to their band. (Other contenders were Muddy Rabbit, Gossamer Wump, and Creedence Nuball and the Ruby.)

Down on the Corner

Early in the evenin’ just about supper time,
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 Poorboys 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.
Poorboy 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 Poorboys are playin’;
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.

Down On The Corner, out in the street,
Willy and the Poorboys 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 boys.

Down On The Corner, out in the street,
Willy and the Poorboys are playin’;
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.

Down On The Corner, out in the street,
Willy and the Poorboys are playin’;
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.

Down On The Corner, out in the street,
Willy and the Poorboys are playin’;
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.

• Audio from the 1969 album, Willy and the Poor Boys:

Other Songs Posted for this Artist

• February 9, 2010 -- Long As I Can See The Light – Creedence Clearwater Revival
• February 2, 2009 -- Midnight Special – Creedence Clearwater Revival
• July 12, 2008 -- Lodi ~ Creedence Clearwater Revival
• May 4, 2008 -- Looking Out My Back Door ~ Creedence Clearwater Revival