Down on the Corner
Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics
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Over by the courthouse they're starting to unwind
Four kids on the corner tryin' 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'
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
And 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'
Bring a nickel, tap your feet
The song "Down On The Corner" by Creedence Clearwater Revival is an upbeat and lively tune that tells the story of a street band playing music for people passing by. The first verse sets the stage "Early in the evenin' just about supper time, Over by the courthouse they're starting to unwind, Four kids on the corner tryin' to bring you up, Willy picks a tune out and he blows it on the harp," and the chorus follows with "Down on the corner, Out in the street, Willy and the Poor Boys are playin', Bring a nickel, tap your feet." The second verse describes the band members and their instruments, "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, And Willy goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo." The rest of the song repeats the catchy chorus, encouraging listeners to join in and dance along.
The song's lyrics reflect the youthful energy and optimism of the 1960s, when street musicians were common in many cities and towns. The band is not trying to make a political statement or change the world, but they are simply trying to share their music and bring some joy and happiness to those who stop to listen. The use of specific names and descriptions of the band members and their instruments make the song feel personal and authentic.
Line by Line Meaning
Early in the evenin' just about supper time
As the day turns to evening and people are thinking about dinner
Over by the courthouse they're starting to unwind
People are beginning to relax and enjoy themselves near the courthouse
Four kids on the corner tryin' to bring you up
Four young people on the street are trying to uplift the mood of those around them
Willy picks a tune out and he blows it on the harp
A man named Willy starts playing a melody on the harmonica
Down on the corner
On the street corner where people are gathered
Out in the street
In the middle of the road among the pedestrians
Willy and the Poor Boys are playin'
Willy and a group of less fortunate musicians are performing
Bring a nickel, tap your feet
Pay a small fee and enjoy the music while tapping your feet to the beat
Rooster hits the washboard and people just got to smile
A man named Rooster plays a washboard and brings joy to those who hear it
Blinky thumps the gut bass and solos for a while
A musician named Blinky plays a bass and performs a solo for a bit
Poor Boy twangs the rhythm out on his kalamazoo
A musician nicknamed 'Poor Boy' plays a kalamazoo and sets the rhythm of the music
And Willy goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo
Willy starts dancing while playing the kazoo at the same time
You don't need a penny just to hang around
You can enjoy the music and atmosphere without having to pay anything
But if you've got a nickel, won't you lay your money down?
If you have a small amount of money, consider giving it to the musicians as a show of support
Over on the corner there's a happy noise
A joyful sound can be heard coming from the street corner
People come from all around to watch the magic boy
Many people are drawn to the talented musician performing on the street
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: John Cameron Fogerty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Ptichkalug
When my daughter heard this song for the first time, she was 3 months old. Now she is 3.5 years and she still adores this song. She starts to smile and dance right away :) My parents tell me that I loved this song when I was a little girl too :)
@henrikhansen2089
So nice
I am danish and I been in love since my teenage year whit CCR. every time that my life is up the hill as we say in DK
Then I listen to CCR. Quick I am back again in good vipes.
Whit love..
@traceynorth7947
I was born in 67 my mom and dad where very young so I listened to what they did and im 55 and can say if i want feel good and nostalgic i just listen to Credence i cant help but feel good
@marmadukescarlet7791
When my nephew was learning to talk, he used to say, “Corner! Corner!” To get my brother to play this song.
@rossi2013
Damn this warmed my heart. Hope you're all ok and healthy. Much love from the UK 🍻
@kendallcoleman839
A smart girl.
@fr2ncm9
This the kind of music we need right now.
@ifreezun
@fr2ncm9 Agreed
@tomdench3523
Agreed
@gamespc7880
Screw pop, rap, hip-hop, and country music and put on some good rock and roll music.