Lodi
- Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics

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Just about a year ago
I set out on the road
Seekin' my fame and fortune
Lookin' for a pot of gold
Things got bad and things got worse
I guess you will know the tune
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again

Rode in on the Greyhound
I'll be walkin' out if I go
I was just passin' through
Must be seven months or more
Ran out of time and money
Looks like they took my friends
Oh Lord, I'm stuck in Lodi again

The man from the magazine
Said I was on my way
Somewhere I lost connections
I ran out of songs to play
I came into town, a one night stand
Looks like my plans fell through
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again

If I only had a dollar
For ev'ry song I've sung
Ev'ry time I've had to play
While people sat there drunk
You know, I'd catch the next train
Back to where I live

Oh Lord, I'm stuck in Lodi again
Oh Lord, I'm stuck in Lodi again

Overall Meaning

In Creedence Clearwater Revival's song Lodi, the singer tells the story of his struggles on the road as a musician. He explains that about a year ago, he set out on the road seeking fame and fortune, looking for a pot of gold. But things got bad, and things got worse, and he's now stuck in Lodi again. The singer talks about how he came into town for a one-night stand, but his plans fell through. He ran out of time and money and lost connections that could have helped him. He sings about how he wishes he had a dollar for every song he's sung and every time he's had to play while people sat there drunk. He concludes that if only he had enough money, he would catch the next train back to where he lives, but instead, he's stuck in Lodi again.

The lyrics of Lodi paint a picture of the hardships that musicians on the road go through. The song speaks to the sacrifices and challenges that artists face in their pursuit of success. The singer's story is one that many musicians can relate to: unfulfilled promises, financial difficulties, and dashed dreams. However, despite the challenges, the singer paints a picture of resilience, determination, and perseverance.

Line by Line Meaning

Just about a year ago
It was almost a year ago when my journey began

I set out on the road
I started travelling

Seekin' my fame and fortune
I was searching for success and wealth

Lookin' for a pot of gold
I was hoping to find a huge amount of money

Things got bad and things got worse
My situation deteriorated

I guess you will know the tune
You probably understand how it feels

Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again
I am once again trapped in Lodi, a place I don't want to be in

Rode in on the Greyhound
I came to Lodi by a Greyhound bus

I'll be walkin' out if I go
I'll leave on foot if I have to

I was just passin' through
My intention was not to stay, just to pass by

Must be seven months or more
It's been at least seven months