About the song
“Lodi” is a poignant and memorable song written by John Fogerty and performed by the iconic band Creedence Clearwater Revival. Recorded in March 1969 and released in April of the same year as the B-side of the hit single “Bad Moon Rising,” “Lodi” became a classic example of the band’s ability to capture the spirit of American life through music.
The song narrates the tale of a struggling musician who, after setting out with dreams of fame and fortune, finds himself trapped in the small, nondescript town of Lodi, California. Despite his best efforts to achieve success, he encounters a series of misfortunes that leave him stranded. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his disappointment and disillusionment. With lines like “Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again,” the song expresses the deep frustration of a person whose ambitions have not materialized as hoped.
Interestingly, John Fogerty, the songwriter, had never visited Lodi before writing the song. He chose the town simply because he felt it had a unique and memorable name. This choice added to the song’s universal appeal, as it encapsulated the broader experience of feeling lost and stuck in a place where one’s dreams seem unattainable.
Musically, “Lodi” features a simple yet effective arrangement that includes a key change in the final verse. This change accentuates the song’s emotional depth, particularly in the reflective line, “If I only had a dollar for every song I’ve sung…” The arrangement enhances the melancholy theme and draws the listener into the musician’s plight.
Reception of “Lodi” was positive, with Billboard and Cash Box both praising it for its powerful and resonant qualities, noting similarities to the band’s earlier hits like “Proud Mary.” John Fogerty himself reflected on the song as a narrative from the perspective of someone older and more experienced, capturing the essence of a tragic but relatable struggle. For Fogerty, “Lodi” was a reminder of what he hoped to avoid in his own career.
Overall, “Lodi” remains a testament to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s skill in blending storytelling with evocative music, resonating with listeners of all ages who understand the feeling of being caught in a difficult situation far from their dreams.
Video
Lyrics
Just about a year ago
I set out on the road
Seekin’ my fame and fortune
Lookin’ for a pot of gold
Things got bad and things got worse
I guess you will know the tune
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again
Rode in on the Greyhound
I’ll be walkin’ out if I go
I was just passin’ through
Must be seven months or more
Ran out of time and money
Looks like they took my friends
Oh Lord, I’m stuck in Lodi again
The man from the magazine
Said I was on my way
Somewhere I lost connections
I ran out of songs to play
I came into town, a one night stand
Looks like my plans fell through
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again
If I only had a dollar
For ev’ry song I’ve sung
Ev’ry time I’ve had to play
While people sat there drunk
You know, I’d catch the next train
Back to where I live
Oh Lord, I’m stuck in Lodi again
Oh Lord, I’m stuck in Lodi again