Down on the Corner
CCR Revival Band Lyrics
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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 boy
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
The lyrics of CCR Revival Band's song "Down On the Corner" tell the story of a group of young musicians who gather on a street corner in the evening to play music and bring joy to the people passing by. The first verse sets the scene, describing the time of day and the location near the courthouse where the four musicians play. Willy plays the harmonica and starts the music, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The chorus invites the listener to come and join the fun, with a nickel in hand to toss into the musicians' hats. The second verse details the different instruments played by the group - the washboard, gut bass, and kalamazoo (a type of guitar) - and highlights their individual sounds and talents. Willy even takes to dancing and playing the kazoo. The final verse emphasizes the accessibility of the music, inviting everyone to come and listen, regardless of social status or financial means.
Overall, the lyrics of "Down On the Corner" paint a picture of a carefree and joyful moment in time, where the power of music brings people together and transcends all differences. The sense of community and celebration is palpable, and the listener is encouraged to take part in the magic of the music.
Line by Line Meaning
Early in the evenin' just about supper time
As the day turns to night and people are getting ready for dinner
Over by the courthouse they're starting to unwind
Near the courthouse, people are beginning to relax and let loose
Four kids on the corner trying to bring you up
A group of young musicians on the street corner, hoping to lift your spirits
Willy picks a tune out and he blows it on the harp
Willy plays a catchy melody on his harmonica
Rooster hits the washboard and people just got to smile
Rooster adds to the music with his washboard, making people happy
Blinky, thumps the gut bass and solos for a while
Blinky plays the bass and does a solo for a bit
Poorboy twangs the rhythm out on his kalamazoo
Poorboy plays the rhythm on his guitar
Willy goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo
Willy starts dancing and plays the kazoo as well
You don't need a penny just to hang around
You don't have to pay anything to enjoy the scene
But if you've got a nickel, won't you lay your money down?
If you have a nickel, consider supporting the band by contributing it
Over on the corner there's a happy noise
The sound of the music and the joy it brings can be heard from nearby
People come from all around to watch the magic boy
People gather from far and wide to witness the talent of the young musicians
Down on the corner, out in the street
On the street corner, where the music is being played
Willy and the poorboys are playin'
The band, called Willy and the Poorboys, are performing
Bring a nickel, tap your feet
If you have a nickel to spare, use it to enjoy the music and dance along
Writer(s): John Cameron Fogerty
Contributed by Audrey R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dustinray1694
I honestly love this song. And, you know, it takes you back to the days when music was just about that: the music! All that mattered in the day was just playing music, sitting around, and having a good time, and that's the message this song conveys. God, I wish there were more people that made music like this... <3
@angelinabonilla6668
Yep, bands and their managers didn't even care about money or anything BUT music! Everyone's heart was so pure, playing music for free and touring for free!
@donfontana8282
Amen
@jesseseguine9784
There's plenty of amazing music nowadays to ingest more than ever actually. You just don't look for it.
@arnaubagbor4071
se me enchina la piel desde el primer día que la oí! Con esta rola sonando de fondo puedo andar por cualquier camino que la vida me proponga!
@summeraustin1800
❤ that's a very sweet concept
@rl1800
That bass line is so simple but so perfect. And what a chorus. Great song.
@devo9654
This song is simple and just fun to play like music should be
@Oper8Fur07
@devo96 it’s the type of song that You’re not embarrassed to sing in public.
@perrycomeau2627
Never under estimate B flat