Lodi

Creedence Clearwater Revival

About Lodi

"Lodi" is a song written by John Fogerty and performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Recorded in March 1969, it was released in April, four months before the album, as the B-side of "Bad Moon Rising", the lead single from Green River. The song describes the plight of a down-and-out musician whose career has landed him playing gigs in the town of Lodi (pronounced "low-die"), a small agricultural city in California's Central Valley about 70 miles (110 km) from Fogerty's hometown of Berkeley. After playing in local bars, the narrator finds himself stranded and unable to raise bus or train fare to leave. Fogerty later said he had never actually visited Lodi before writing this song, and simply picked it for the song because it had "the coolest sounding name." However, the song unquestionably references the town's reputation as an uninteresting farm settlement, though the narrator does not make any specific complaints. The song's chorus, "Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again," has been the theme of several city events in Lodi. The song's arrangement includes a change of key in the final verse of the track, emphasising the melancholy drama of the lyric, "If I only had a dollar for every song I sung...." 


Year:
1981
3:11
244 
#5

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Just about a year ago
I set out on the road
Seekin' my fame and fortune
Lookin' for a pot of gold
Thing got bad and things got worse
I guess you know the tune
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again

Rode in on the Greyhound
I'll be walkin' out if I go
I was just passin' through
Must be seven months or more
Ran out of time and money
Looks like they took my friends
Oh Lord, I'm stuck in Lodi again

A man from the magazine
Said I was on my way
Somewhere I lost connections
Ran out of songs to play
I came into town, a one night stand
Looks like my plans fell through
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again

If I only had a dollar
For every song I've sung
Every time I had to play
While people sat there drunk
You know, I'd catch the next train
Back to where I live
Oh Lord, stuck in a Lodi again
Oh Lord, I'm stuck in a Lodi again

 Struggling with Lodi? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival (sometimes shortened to Creedence or CCR) was an American rock band that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a number of successful singles drawn from various albums. more »

26 fans

Written by: John Cameron Fogerty

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Lodi" is typically classified as roots rock, a genre that draws inspiration from blues and folk music.
Historical Context
The song was released in April 1969 as the B-side of the "Bad Moon Rising" single, both of which are part of their album "Green River."
Song Inspiration
John Fogerty reportedly wrote the song about the struggles of a musician on the road, inspired by a time when Creedence Clearwater Revival was playing gigs in small towns.
Song Meaning
"Lodi" is about a down-and-out musician who finds himself stuck in Lodi, a small, quiet town in California. This is seen by many as an allegory for the struggles and uncertainties artists often face.
Real-life Connection
Interestingly, before the song was written, the band had never actually visited Lodi, despite it being relatively close to their hometown of El Cerrito, California.
Chart Performance
Despite being a B-side track, "Lodi" received significant radio play and charted in the Top 100 in the U.S.
Resonance with Musicians
The song has resonated with many musicians who've experienced the harsh realities of trying to make it in the music industry. It has become a symbol of the struggle and determination required to succeed as a musician.
Cover Versions
Various artists have covered "Lodi" over the years, emphasizing its continued relevance in popular culture. Some notable covers include those by Bo Diddley, Emmylou Harris, and Ricky Nelson.
Notability for Songwriter
"Lodi" is often considered one of Fogerty's best compositions, demonstrating his ability to write about ordinary people facing real struggles
Legacy in Lodi
The city of Lodi embraced the song, and it's often played at city council meetings. In 1990, when John Fogerty finally performed in Lodi, he was given a key to the city.

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    Lodi

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #52


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