"Lookin' out My Back Door" is a song recorded by the American band Creedence Clearwater Revival. Written by the band's lead singer, guitarist and songwriter John Fogerty, it is included on their fifth album Cosmo's Factory (1970), and became their fifth and final number-two Billboard hit, held off the top by Diana Ross's version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". It was their only Cash Box Top 100 number-one hit.
Song information The song's lyrics, filled with colorful, dream-like imagery, lead some to believe that it is about drugs. According to the drug theory, the "flying spoon" was a reference to a cocaine or heroin spoon, and the crazy animal images were an acid trip. Fogerty, however, has stated in interviews that the song was actually written for his then three-year-old son, Josh. Fogerty has also said that the allusion to a parade passing by was inspired by the Dr. Seuss book And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.
The song begins and ends with the mention of Illinois, and locking the front door to prevent his troubles from following him home. Country singer Buck Owens is also mentioned in the song; country singer Buddy Alan, the son of Buck Owens, recorded a cover version of the song in 1971.
Reviewing the song, Cash Box stated "emphasing their early-rock gut appeal, CCR plunges into a rough-hewn bit of dance material that should sparkle." Record World called it a "super-smash." Billboard called it a "clever rhythm item."
Covers Jody Miller covered the song on her album Look at Mine.
The song was covered by the Finnish melodic death metal band Children of Bodom on their album Blooddrunk as a bonus track on the U.K. release.
Personnel John Fogerty – lead vocals, lead guitar Tom Fogerty – rhythm guitar Stu Cook – bass guitar, keyboards Doug Clifford – drums, percussion
Chart history
Weekly charts Chart (1970)PeakpositionAustralia Go-Set1Austria Ö3 Top 401Belgian Ultratop 504Canadian RPM Top Tracks1Finland16German Media Control Charts2New Zealand (Listener)4Norwegian VG-Lista Charts1South Africa (Springbok)2Sweden (Tio i Topp)1US Billboard Hot 1002US Cash Box Hot 1001US Record World1
Year-end charts Chart (1970)RankAustralia6Canada 4US Billboard Hot 10036
Certifications
See also List of Cash Box Top 100 number-one singles of 1970
References
External links Lyrics of this song