About the Song
“Creeque Alley” is more than just a song; it’s an intimate diary entry set to music by The Mamas & the Papas. Released in 1967, the track offers a candid glimpse into the group’s formative years, filled with both triumphs and challenges.
With its storytelling lyrics and infectious melody, “Creeque Alley” invites listeners into the heart of the group’s journey. The song is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, as the members share personal anecdotes and inside jokes. The harmonies, as always, are impeccable, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The track’s honest portrayal of the ups and downs of the music industry is refreshing. It’s a reminder that even the most successful groups face their share of struggles. Yet, the song also celebrates the camaraderie and creativity that bonded the members together.
Beyond its historical significance, “Creeque Alley” is simply a great song. Its catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics make it an enduring favorite for fans of The Mamas & the Papas and lovers of classic pop music alike.
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Lyrics: “Creeque Alley”
John and Mitchie were gettin’ kind of itchy
Just to leave the folk music behind
Zal and Denny workin’ for a penny
Tryin’ to get a fish on the line
In a coffee house Sebastian sat
And after every number they’d pass the hat
McGuinn and McGuire just a-gettin’ higher in L.A
You know where that’s at
And no one’s gettin’ fat except Mama Cass
Zallie said, “Denny, you know there aren’t many
Who can sing a song the way that you do; let’s go south”
Denny said, Zallie, golly, don’t you think that I wish
I could play guitar like you”
Zal, Denny, and Sebastian sat (at the Night Owl)
And after every number they’d pass the hat
McGuinn and McGuire still a-gettin higher in L.A
You know where that’s at
And no one’s gettin’ fat except Mama CassWhen Cass was a sophomore, planned to go to Swarthmore
But she changed her mind one day
Standin’ on the turnpike, thumb out to hitchhike
“Take me to New York right away”
When Denny met Cass he gave her love bumps
Called John and Zal and that was the Mugwumps
McGuinn and McGuire couldn’t get no higher
But that’s what they were aimin’ at
And no one’s gettin’ fat except Mama CassMugwumps, high jumps, low slumps, big bumps
Don’t you work as hard as you play
Make up, break up, everything is shake up
Guess it had to be that way
Sebastian and Zal formed the ‘Spoonful
Michelle, John, and Denny gettin’ very tuneful
McGuinn and McGuire just a-catchin’ fire in L.A
You know where that’s at
And everybody’s gettin’ fat except Mama CassBroke, busted, disgusted, agents can’t be trusted
And Mitchie wants to go to the sea
Cass can’t make it; she says we’ll have to fake it
We knew she’d come eventually
Greasin’ on American Express cards
Tents low rent, but keeping out the heat’s hard
Duffy’s good vibrations and our imaginations
Can’t go on indefinitely
And California dreamin’ is becomin’ a reality