It's Just a Thought
Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics


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It's just a thought
But I've noticed somethin' strange,
Gettin' harder to explain;
All the years are passin' bye and bye,
Still I don't know what makes it go;
Who said to wait and you'll see?

It's just a thought
But I wondered if you knew
That the song up there is you.
They can't take it from you

If you don't give it away;
Don't give it away; ooh (it's given away.)

It's just a thought
But the word has come too late
That a bad idea will take
Just about a lifetime to explain,
And don't you see,




Good one's gonna be much longer;
Who's gonna wait, just to see?

Overall Meaning

In the song It's Just A Thought, Creedence Clearwater Revival muses upon the concept of time and how it passes by without a real understanding of what drives it. The lyrics speak to an awareness that something strange is happening but it's becoming increasingly difficult to express. Through the uncertainty of time, the band acknowledges that there is something special about all of us that cannot be taken away. It speaks to the notion that our unique qualities and attributes are not to be given away but rather to be cherished.


The line "don't you see, good one's gonna be much longer" highlights the idea of longevity and how it's supposed to be natural for good things to last. However, the concept of time may be the only thing standing in its way. The lyrics are intended to make the listener reflect on the preciousness of time and how it can be utilized to embrace the things that bring us joy, instead of letting life pass by. It is a powerful message that encourages us to hold onto the things that make us happy, as they are the things that define us.


Line by Line Meaning

It's just a thought
This idea is not fully formed or fleshed out


But I've noticed somethin' strange,
I've observed something unusual


Gettin' harder to explain;
It's becoming more difficult to articulate


All the years are passin' bye and bye,
Time is moving on quickly


Still I don't know what makes it go;
I don't understand the root of the phenomenon


Who said to wait and you'll see?
Why should we wait to discover the answer?


But I wondered if you knew
I'm curious if you're aware of this


That the song up there is you.
The music is a reflection of your soul


They can't take it from you
Others cannot take away your inner essence


If you don't give it away;
As long as you hold on to it


Don't give it away; ooh (it's given away.)
Don't surrender it to others or it will be lost


But the word has come too late
We've received this message too belatedly


That a bad idea will take
An unsound notion will be persistent


Just about a lifetime to explain,
It could take a very long time to rectify the consequences


And don't you see,
Can't you understand


Good one's gonna be much longer;
A worthwhile effort will require even more effort


Who's gonna wait, just to see?
Why would anyone have patience to wait and find out?




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JOHN FOGERTY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Carlos Costa

This song is simply extraordinary, the arragement, the bass, the guitar and of course the John Fogerty's VOICE.

Saba

Amazing song, one of their very best ever.... Creedence Clearwater Revival were one the best bands ever!!!

fe5000mv

Lindíssima música

Andy Boerger

I love this song! The organ, the bass line, the drum outro, the contemplative, longing atmosphere. It's perfection!

rustinonthevine

this song is perfect musically, I had this record when i was a teenager, haven't heard this in at least fifteen years, god its beautiful.

Billy Toombs

I still have the album..
I'm 67 years young......

Sebastied Juan

@Mario IGWT imho one of the best songs ever created. So poetic, genius Fogherty

Mario IGWT

This song will be in my top 4 ever! This is CCR!!!

Home depot Cuisiniste

I still have my album and play it on my 45 year-old turntable!

J F

Love the floaty atmosphere created by the Hammond organ. CCR definitely one of the best american bands. John Fogerty is a genius.

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