It Came Out of the Sky
"It Came Out of the Sky" | |
---|---|
Single by Creedence Clearwater Revival | |
from the album Willy and the Poor Boys | |
B-side |
|
Released | 1970 |
Recorded | 1969, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California |
Genre | |
Length | 2:53 |
Label | Fantasy Records |
Songwriter(s) | John Fogerty |
Producer(s) | John Fogerty |
"It Came Out of the Sky" is a song written by John Fogerty that was included on Creedence Clearwater Revival's 1969 album Willy and the Poor Boys. It was also released as a single in some countries and has appeared on several of the group's compilation albums. It was included occasionally in the group's live set even after John Fogerty left the group and the remaining members reformed as Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
Lyrics and music
"It Came Out of the Sky" is a satirical song and one of Creedence Clearwater Revival's first forays into political themes.
Fogerty biographer Thomas Kitts explains that the song "draws on Chuck Berry rhythms, guitar licks and crisp storytelling.[3] The Guardian contributor Geoffrey Cannon similarly commented that the "hard, exhilarating, self-confident" guitar work was inspired by Berry.[8] San Francisco Examiner critic Philip Elwood described the song as "a lively rock 'n' roll vehicle combining a wild vocal and absolutely perfectly styled instrumental ensemble."[6] The Dispatch critic Dink Lorance describes the song as "an old-style rock and roller."[5]
Kitts interprets the song as exposing the "self-centeredness and limited vision of politicians, religious leaders, and the media, all of whom exploit events for aggrandizement and self-promotion" but they are all outsmarted by a simple
Reception
Rolling Stone critic Alec Dubro praises the song as being "as funny as Dylan at his best" and for being able to "get three worlds of paranoia into one short, entertaining, musical song."[4] Dubro also asserts that the song successfully reconciles Fogerty's insistence that listeners put too much weight on political references in songs with Fogerty's belief that a song can have a message by being "message and comment without moralizing."[4]
Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug Clifford claimed that "It's a fun song. It's kind of a spoof on everybody."[3] Clifford also stated that he was surprised it did not become more popular.[14] Bassist Stu Cook called it "a tough act to follow."[7]
"It Came Out of the Sky" was included on several Creedence Clearwater Revival
Live versions
Creedence Clearwater Revival sometimes played the song live and it appears on the 1973
References
- ^ "Album Review: "Willy & the Poor Boys" by Creedence Clearwater Revival". 8 January 2020.
- ISBN 978-0-13-676495-3.
- ^ ISBN 9781317961260.
- ^ a b c d e f g Dubro, Alec (22 January 1974). "Willy and the Poor Boys". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
- ^ a b Lorance, Dink (December 22, 1969). "Steppenwolf on Way". The Dispatch. p. 27. Retrieved 2018-09-03 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c Elwood, Philip (November 29, 1969). "Creedence Stands Atop the Local Rock Pile". San Francisco Examiner. p. 11. Retrieved 2018-09-03 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ ISBN 9781569769843.
- ^ a b c Cannon, Geoffrey (February 27, 1970). "Pop in the political arena". The Guardian. p. 8. Retrieved 2018-09-03 – via newspapers.com.
- ISBN 9780743201698.
- Allmusic. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
- ^ Chistgau, Robert. "Creedence Clearwater Revival". robertchristgau.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
- ^ DeRiso, Nick (November 24, 2015). "Rush 'Cygnus X-1' vs. Creedence Clearwater Revival 'It Came Out of the Sky': Rock Star Wars". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
- ^ O'Connor, Rory (January 10, 1970). "Creedence: More Basic Than Ever". Tampa Tribune. p. 53. Retrieved 2018-09-03 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Lopez, Rich (June 17, 2017). "Creedence drummer Doug Clifford ponders the then and now". Midland Reporter-Telegram. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
- ^ Allmusic. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
- ^ "Creedence Clearwater Revival – It Came Out Of The Sky". Discogs. 1973. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
- ^ Elwood, Philip (October 18, 1971). "Trio Keeps Rolling". San Francisco Examiner. p. 27. Retrieved 2018-09-03 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Dominic, Serene (June 28, 2012). "Bassist Cook Revisits Creedence Clearwater Revival". Arizona Republic. pp. E1, E7. Retrieved 2018-09-03 – via newspapers.com.