Perfect Lyric

A perfect lyric should create images in your mind and convey a meaningful sentiment.  This is the lyric for Green River, a hit for Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969.  Composed by lead guitarist and vocalist John Fogarty.  The first two verses create the vivid images (the fact my childhood did not align completely makes no difference if the lyric is right) and the final verse is both touching, comforting and a forewarning of the travails of adulthood.

Well, take me back down where cool water flows
Let me remember things I love,
Stoppin' at the log where catfish bite,
Walkin' along the river road at night,
Barefoot girls dancin' in the moonlight.

I can hear the bullfrog callin' me.
Wonder if my rope's still hangin' to the tree.
Love to kick my feet 'way down the shallow water.
Shoefly, dragonfly, get back t'your mother.
Pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River.

Up at Cody's camp I spent my days, oh,
With flat car riders and cross-tie walkers.
Old Cody, Junior took me over,
Said, "You're gonna find the world is smould'rin'.
And if you get lost come on home to Green River."