About the Song
“Down on the Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) is a feel-good anthem that encapsulates the band’s knack for crafting simple yet infectious tunes. Released on their 1969 album Willy and the Poor Boys, the song quickly became a hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 by December of that year. Paired with the iconic protest track “Fortunate Son” on the flip side, the single represented CCR’s versatility and storytelling prowess.
The song tells the story of a fictional jug band called Willy and the Poor Boys, performing on street corners to uplift spirits in exchange for small tips. Its whimsical narrative and lively rhythm are enhanced by references to instruments like the harmonica, washboard, kazoo, Kalamazoo guitar, and gut bass, evoking a street band aesthetic.
John Fogerty’s Inspiration
John Fogerty, CCR’s frontman and songwriter, drew inspiration for the concept from an unlikely source: a Disney advertisement for Winnie the Pooh. The name “Willy and the Poor Boys” was a playful evolution of “Winnie the Pooh and the Pooh Boys.” Fogerty described how the idea flowed naturally into music in an almost mystical way.
Performance and Album Concept
For the album and promotional appearances, CCR fully embraced the Willy and the Poor Boys persona. On the album cover, they’re seen playing to a small crowd outside the Duck Kee Market, a location near their recording studio. The image and the song’s concept echoed the hardworking, grassroots ethos of the band.
CCR also performed the song on The Music Scene in 1969, donning costumes to embody the jug band vibe. Band members used quirky instruments like a gut bass, washboard, and Kalamazoo guitar to recreate the rustic energy depicted in the lyrics and album art.
Legacy
“Down on the Corner” became synonymous with CCR’s identity as a band rooted in Americana. Its cheerful melody, catchy rhythm, and vivid storytelling have ensured its enduring popularity. The song stands as a testament to the band’s ability to blend whimsy with musical brilliance, cementing their legacy as one of the defining acts of their era.
Lyrics
Early in the evenin’ just about supper time
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 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 feetAdvertisement
