Down on the Corner
Ofln - Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics


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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

Down on the corner
Out in the street
Willy and the Poor Boys 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
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

Overall Meaning

"Down on the Corner" by Creedence Clearwater Revival describes a band of street musicians playing on the corner of a small town. The song is a celebration of music, and it shows how music can bring people together. The song starts by describing the evening time when the local courthouse is closing, and people are starting to unwind. The band is four kids who are trying to bring joy to the people passing by. Willy plays the harmonica, and his tunes make people tap their feet. Rooster plays on the washboard, Blinky on the bass while Poor Boy strums his Kalamazoo. The band's unique sound is what draws the crowd towards them. Willy doubles again on the kazoo and starts dancing.


The chorus of the song repeats the line, "Down on the corner out in the street, Willy and the Poor Boys are playing, Bring a nickel, tap your feet". It creates a fun and up-tempo vibe that encourages people to come closer and enjoy the music. The lyrics also emphasize that money isn't a requirement for enjoying the music, but if you have a nickel, you can lay it down. The last line of the song, "People come from all around to watch the magic boy," shows the power of music to attract and unite people from different places and backgrounds.


Line by Line Meaning

Early in the evenin' just about supper time
The time of day is approaching dinner, around sunset.


Over by the courthouse they're starting to unwind
Nearby, people are getting ready to relax and enjoy the evening.


Four kids on the corner tryin' to bring you up
There are four young musicians on the street corner trying to elevate your mood.


Willy picks a tune out and he blows it on the harp
Willy chooses a song and plays it on his harmonica.


Down on the corner
The musicians are playing music on the street corner.


Out in the street
The music can be heard by people walking around outside.


Willy and the Poor Boys are playin'
The band playing the music is called Willy and the Poor Boys.


Bring a nickel, tap your feet
If you have a nickel, come listen to the music and tap your feet to the beat.


Rooster hits the washboard and people just got to smile
Rooster plays the washboard and the music is so infectious that people can't help but smile.


Blinky thumps the gut bass and solos for a while
Blinky plays the double bass and has a solo for a while.


Poor Boy twangs the rhythm out on his kalamazoo
Poor Boy plays his kalamazoo and provides the rhythm for the music.


And Willy goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo
Willy starts dancing and also plays the kazoo.


You don't need a penny just to hang around
You can listen to the music and enjoy the atmosphere without paying anything.


But if you've got a nickel, won't you lay your money down?
If you have a nickel, you can contribute to the musicians by dropping it in their hat.


Over on the corner there's a happy noise
The music being played on the corner is creating a joyful sound.


People come from all around to watch the magic boy
Crowds gather to watch and be entertained by the talented musicians.




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: John Cameron Fogerty

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@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.

41 More Replies...

@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.

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