Introduction
“Lookin’ Out My Back Door” is a song by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), featured on their 1970 album Cosmo’s Factory. Written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, John Fogerty, the song showcases CCR’s signature blend of country rock and roots music. Released as a single on July 25, 1970, it achieved significant commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it was held off the top spot by Diana Ross’s rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Notably, it became CCR’s only single to reach number one on the Cash Box Top 100 chart.
The lyrics of “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” are imbued with vivid, dream-like imagery, leading to interpretations that it references drug experiences. However, John Fogerty has clarified that the song was written for his then three-year-old son, Josh. The whimsical scenes described—a parade of elephants, tambourines, and a flying spoon—were intended to capture a child’s imagination. Fogerty also mentioned that the parade imagery was inspired by Dr. Seuss’s book And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.
Musically, the song pays homage to the Bakersfield Sound, a style of country music that influenced Fogerty. This is evident in the mention of country singer Buck Owens within the lyrics. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody contribute to its enduring popularity.
“Lookin’ Out My Back Door” has been featured in various cultural contexts, notably in the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, which helped introduce the song to a new generation of listeners. Over the years, it has been covered by several artists, including country singer Buddy Alan and Finnish metal band Children of Bodom, reflecting its cross-genre appeal.
The song remains a testament to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ability to blend storytelling with musical craftsmanship, creating tracks that resonate across decades.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Just got home from Illinois, lock the front door, oh boy!
Got to sit down, take a rest on the porch
Imagination sets in, pretty soon I’m singin’
Doo, doo, doo, lookin’ out my back door
There’s a giant doing cartwheels, a statue wearin’ high heels
Look at all the happy creatures dancing on the lawn
A dinosaur Victrola listening to Buck Owens
Doo, doo, doo, lookin’ out my back door
Tambourines and elephants are playing in the band
Won’t you take a ride on the flyin’ spoon?
Doo, doo doo
A wondrous apparition provided by magician
Doo, doo, doo, lookin’ out my back door
Tambourines and elephants are playing in the band
Won’t you take a ride on the flyin’ spoon?
Doo, doo doo
Bother me tomorrow, today, I’ll buy no sorrows
Doo, doo, doo, lookin’ 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, lookin’ out my back door