The Mavericks won Vocal Group of the Year at the Country Music Awards in 1995 and 1996. They won a Grammy Award in 1996 for Best Country Performance by Duo/Group with Vocals. Their version of "Blue Moon" was featured in Tom Hanks' 1995 motion picture "Apollo 13".
Members
* Raul Malo - vocals
* Robert Reynolds - bass
* Paul Deakin - drums
* Eddie Perez - guitar
Former members
* David Lee Holt - guitar (1991 - 1994)
* Nick Kane - guitar (1994 - 2003)
Down on the Corner
The Mavericks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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.
Down On The Corner, out in the street,
Willy and the Poorboys are playin';
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.
The Mavericks' iconic song "Down On The Corner" is a tribute to jam sessions in the streets that involve everyone, regardless of their background. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the scene where the band, Willy, and the Poorboys have set up shop. The band consists of Rooster on washboard, Blinky on bass, Poorboy on kalamazoo, and Willy on the harmonica and kazoo. They all contribute to a cheerful rhythm that brings people together on the corner. The lyrics express the idea that music is a unifier and that it costs nothing to enjoy it, as long as you are willing to "tap your feet" and enjoy the show.
"Down On The Corner" is an anthem for the street musicians who bring joy, positivity, and hope during difficult times. The song also highlights the importance of community and the role of music in forming social connections. The upbeat rhythm and catchy melody are complemented by the optimistic message of the lyrics, creating an infectious energy. The song is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and inspire a sense of belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
Early in the evenin' just about supper time
As the evening approaches and dinnertime draws near
Over by the courthouse they're starting to unwind.
A group of people are gathering by the courthouse to relax after a long day
Four kids on the corner trying to bring you up.
Four young musicians on the street corner are attempting to uplift your mood
Willy picks a tune out and he blows it on the harp.
One of the musicians named Willy is playing a song on the harmonica
Down On The Corner out in the street
The musicians are playing their music outside on the street corner
Willy and the Poorboys are playin';
The band performing consists of Willy and his group of poor boys
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.
Audience members are invited to dance along and contribute a small monetary donation
Rooster hits the washboard and people just got to smile
Another band member named Rooster is playing the washboard and the music is making people happy
Blinky thumps the gut bass and solos for a while.
A musician known as Blinky is playing the upright bass and takes a solo moment to showcase his skills
Poorboy twangs the rhythm out on his kalamazoo.
Another band member with the nickname Poorboy is playing on his Kalamazoo mandolin to provide rhythmic accompaniment
Willy goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo.
Willy dances along to the music he was playing on the harmonica, and also picks up a kazoo to play alongside it
You don't need a penny just to hang around,
Audience members are welcome to watch the performers even without any form of payment
But if you've got a nickel, won't you lay your money down?
For those who have some spare money, they are encouraged to put it towards supporting the performers
Over on the corner there's a happy noise.
The music playing on the street corner creates a joyful ambiance
People come from all around to watch the magic boy.
Individuals from various places come to see the young musicians perform like it's magic
Down On The Corner, out in the street,
The performers are located outside on the street corner
Willy and the Poorboys are playin';
The band playing is composed of Willy and his group of poor boys
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.
Audience members are being requested to dance and throw in a small donation
Down On The Corner, out in the street,
The performance takes place outside in the public space
Willy and the Poorboys are playin';
Willy and the poor boys are once again the group performing
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.
Audience members are again being asked to dance and contribute a small amount of money
Down On The Corner, out in the street,
The scene is still located outside on the street corner
Willy and the Poorboys are playin';
The band involved in the performance remains the same
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.
Audience members are encouraged to maintain their dancing and to donate further if they can
Writer(s): John Cameron Fogerty
Contributed by Brody C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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