The song's lyrics, filled with colorful, dream-like imagery, lead some to believe that it is about drugs. According to the drug theory, the "flying spoon" was a reference to a cocaine or heroin spoon, and the crazy animal images were an acid trip. Fogerty, however, has stated in interviews that the song was actually written for his then three-year-old son, Josh. Fogerty has also said that the allusion to a parade passing by was inspired by the Dr. Seuss book And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.
The song begins and ends with the mention of Illinois, and locking the front door in a vain attempt to prevent his troubles there from following him home. Country singer Buck Owens is also mentioned in the song, and the music reflects some of the Bakersfield sound Owens made famous. Country singer Buddy Alan, the son of Buck Owens, recorded a cover version of the song in 1971.
Reviewing the song, Cash Box stated "emphasing their early-rock gut appeal, CCR plunges into a rough-hewn bit of dance material that should sparkle." Record World called it a "super-smash." Billboard called it a "clever rhythm item."
Lookin' Out My Back Door
Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got to sit down, take a rest on the porch.
Imagination sets in, pretty soon I'm singing,
Doo, doo, doo, Looking out my back door.
There's a giant doing cartwheels,
A statue wearing high heels.
Look at all the happy creatures dancing on the lawn.A dinosaur Victrola listening to Buck Owens.
Doo, doo, doo, Looking out my back door.
Tambourines and elephants are playing in the band.
Won't you take a ride on the flying spoon?
Doo, doo doo.
Wond'rous apparition provided by magician.
Doo, doo, doo, Looking out my back door.
Tambourines and elephants are playing in the band.
Won't you take a ride on the flying spoon?
Doo, doo doo.
Bother me tomorrow, today, I'll buy no sorrows.
Doo, doo, doo, Looking out my back door.
Forward troubles Illinois, lock the front door, oh boy!
Look at all the happy creatures dancing on the lawn.
Bother me tomorrow, today, I'll buy no sorrows.
Doo, doo, doo, Looking out my back door.
The song "Lookin' Out My Back Door" by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a whimsical song about a man who just got home and sits on his porch, letting his imagination run wild. The song paints a picture of a surreal scene of happy creatures dancing on his lawn, a statue in high heels, and a giant doing cartwheels. The lyrics are playful and imaginative, with a nod to Buck Owens and a Victrola being played by a dinosaur.
The song is almost like a dream sequence, where the singer is looking out through the backdoor of his house and experiencing a surreal world. It's an escape from the mundane reality of Illinois, and a chance to explore the fantastical world of his imagination.
The repeated "doo, doo, doo" in the chorus is like a mantra, inviting the listener to join in the imaginative journey. The song's joyful tone and playful lyrics make it a beloved classic of the 70s.
Line by Line Meaning
Just got home from Illinois, lock the front door, oh boy!
Just arrived home from another state, so I need to lock my front door to keep safe.
Got to sit down, take a rest on the porch.
Need to sit down and take a break on my porch after a long trip.
Imagination sets in, pretty soon I'm singing,
My imagination takes over and I start singing.
Doo, doo, doo, Looking out my back door.
Looking out my back door, observing the things around me.
There's a giant doing cartwheels, A statue wearing high heels.
Seeing strange, surreal images: a giant doing cartwheels and a statue with high heels.
Look at all the happy creatures dancing on the lawn.
Observing happy creatures dancing on the lawn outside.
A dinosaur Victrola listening to Buck Owens.
Seeing a strange object: a dinosaur-shaped record player playing Buck Owens music.
Tambourines and elephants are playing in the band.
Seeing a band playing music with tambourines and elephants as members.
Won't you take a ride on the flying spoon?
Asking someone if they want to join in on the surreal experience of riding a flying spoon.
Wond'rous apparition provided by magician.
Acknowledging that the surreal sights are like a magic trick.
Bother me tomorrow, today, I'll buy no sorrows.
Not worrying about problems that may come up in the future, and instead enjoying the moment.
Forward troubles Illinois, lock the front door, oh boy!
Looking forward to dealing with any future problems when they arise, but still wanting to be safe by locking the front door.
Doo, doo, doo, Looking out my back door.
Continuing to observe the surreal sights from the safety of my back porch.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MattMurray-cy4zd
I am watching and listening to this on 4-4-24, and I am 84 yrs. Old
@huntermilne1666
Niceeee
@GordonHowdyDoody
You've Got To Stand For Something ( Aaron Tippin )😊
I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker. ( Sandi Thom ) 😂
Bubba Shot The Jukebox Last Night (Mark Chestnut)
🎉🤣🖖.
He Walked On Water (Randy Travis)
@VladdytheBaddie1
84 on YouTube… my man lol best wishes abuelo
@normolsen5209
Damn good for you hope I make it that far.
@Воєводаруський
God bless you, sir or madam
@TheParisthething
This is the proper song for returning home after a really fucked up day at work
@cutiepiecatloveallanimals6602
Or for trippin hard and not being able to get inside your house
@hannahhillig9970
im wheezing thats hilarious @@cutiepiecatloveallanimals6602
@randalllakeworth3134
Jus got off of front peeking down backstreet And in ABOUT 7 minutes I will be LOOKing out my bakdo