About the song
The Mamas & The Papas, a pivotal group in the 1960s folk rock scene, captured their own origin story and the essence of the era in the song “Creeque Alley.” Released in 1967 as part of the album The Mamas & The Papas Deliver, this autobiographical track provides an engaging and witty narrative of the band’s formation and early struggles.
“Creeque Alley” stands out for its clever, storytelling lyrics penned by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips. The song recounts the journey of the band members—John and Michelle Phillips, Cass Elliot, and Denny Doherty—from their early days in the folk music scene to their rise to fame as The Mamas & The Papas. The lyrics are filled with references to notable musicians and places, painting a vivid picture of the vibrant and often challenging world they navigated.
Musically, the track features the group’s signature harmonies, which are both lush and intricate. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody provide a perfect backdrop for the detailed and humorous lyrics. The arrangement includes jangly guitars, rhythmic bass, and light percussion, all coming together to create a sound that is quintessentially The Mamas & The Papas.
For fans of the group, “Creeque Alley” is a nostalgic and insightful look into the band’s history, offering a personal glimpse behind the scenes of their success. For new listeners, it serves as an entertaining introduction to the group’s harmonious sound and their role in shaping 1960s music. This song remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences with its charm and authenticity.
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Lyric
John and Mitchy were gettin’ kind of itchyJust to leave the folk music behindZal and Denny workin’ for a pennyTryin’ to get a fish on the lineIn a coffee house Sebastian satAnd after every number they’d pass the hatMcGuinn and McGuire just a gettin’ higherIn L.A., you know where that’s atAnd no one’s gettin’ fat except Mama CassZally said Denny, you know there aren’t manyWho can sing a song the way that you do, let’s go southDenny said Zally, golly, don’t you think that I wishI could play guitar like youZal, Denny and Sebastian sat (at the Night Owl)And after every number they’d pass the hatMcGuinn and McGuire still a gettin’ higherIn L.A., you know where that’s atAnd no one’s gettin’ fat except Mama CassWhen Cass was a sophomore, planned to go to SwarthmoreBut she changed her mind one dayStandin’ on the turnpike, thumb out to hitchhikeTake me to New York right awayWhen Denny met Cass he gave her love bumpsCalled John and Zal and that was the MugwumpsMcGuinn and McGuire couldn’t get no higherBut that’s what they were aimin’ atAnd no one’s gettin’ fat except Mama CassMugwumps, high jumps, low slumps, big bumpsDon’t you work as hard as you playMake up, break up, everything is shake upGuess it had to be that waySebastian and Zal formed the SpoonfulMichelle, John, and Denny gettin’ very tunefulMcGuinn and McGuire just a catchin’ fireIn L.A., you know where that’s atAnd everybody’s gettin’ fat except Mama CassDi di di dit dit dit di di di dit, whoaBroke, busted, disgusted, agents can’t be trustedAnd Mitchy wants to go to the seaCass can’t make it, she says we’ll have to fake itWe knew she’d come eventuallyGreasin’ on American Express cardsIt’s low rent, but keeping out the heat’s hardDuffy’s good vibrations and our imaginationsCan’t go on indefinitelyAnd California dreamin’ is becomin’ a reality