About The Song
Title: Creeque Alley
Artist: The Mamas & The Papas
Genre: Folk Rock, Pop
Release Date: 1967
Album: Deliver (1967)
Songwriters: John Phillips, Michelle Phillips
Key Themes: “Creeque Alley” is a narrative song that tells the story of the formation and early struggles of The Mamas & The Papas. The lyrics provide a biographical account of the group’s members, detailing their experiences and challenges as they pursued a career in the music industry. The title refers to a street in the Virgin Islands where the band spent time together.
Musical Style: The song features a folk rock and pop sound, typical of The Mamas & The Papas’ musical style. It incorporates harmonious vocals, acoustic guitars, and a melodic arrangement. The storytelling nature of the lyrics is complemented by the group’s distinctive harmonies.
Cultural Impact: “Creeque Alley” offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look into the formation of The Mamas & The Papas and their journey to success. The song received positive reviews for its storytelling and musicality. It has become a notable piece in the group’s discography, appreciated for its unique approach to autobiographical songwriting.
Legacy: “Creeque Alley” remains a significant part of The Mamas & The Papas’ legacy. The song not only serves as a historical account of the group’s origins but also stands as a testament to their contributions to the folk rock and pop music of the 1960s. It is often remembered as a clever and engaging piece within the context of the band’s body of work.
With its storytelling style and autobiographical content, “Creeque Alley” provides a distinctive glimpse into the history of The Mamas & The Papas, making it a memorable and cherished part of their musical repertoire.
Video
Lyrics
“Creeque Alley”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
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 Cass
When 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 Cass
Mugwumps, 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 Cass
Broke, 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