Commotion by Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics Meaning – The Anthem of Urban Frustration and the Quest for Clarity
Lyrics
No, no, no, no, no
Backed up on the freeway, backed up in the church
Everywhere you look there’s a frown, frown
Com, commotion
Git, git, git, gone
Com, commotion
Git, git, git, gone
People keep atalkin’, they don’t say a word
Jaw, jaw, jaw, jaw, jaw
Talk up in the White House, talk up to your door
So much goin’ on I just can’t hear
Com, commotion
Git, git, git, gone
Com, commotion
Git, git, git, gone
Hurryin’ to get there so you save some time
Run, run, run, run, run
Rushin’ to the treadmill, rushin’ to get home
Worry ’bout the time you save, save
Com, commotion
Git, git, git, gone
Com, commotion
Git, git, git, gone
Com, commotion
Git, git, git, gone
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Commotion’ echoes as a potent anthem of urban frustration and societal noise that divides attention and confounds the spirit. Released in 1969, during a time of cultural turmoil and change, the song resonates with the chaotic ambiance of city life, reverberating through the decades to reflect the timeless struggle for a sense of peace amidst the relentless clamor of modern existence.
The gravelly voice of John Fogerty, underscored by the band’s intuitive blend of rock and blues, drives the narrative of ‘Commotion’ with an energy that feels as much a call to attention as it does a plea for respite. As we dissect the timeless lyrics and their current relevance, the depth of Creedence’s message becomes inescapably clear.
The Never-Ending Traffic Jam: Beyond the Concrete Jungle
The song opens with a palpable sense of aggravation towards the ceaseless traffic, not just on the roads but also symbolically within the confines of structured religion. This reflects not only physical congestion but also a congested state of mind, where, from the freeway to the pews, frustration pervades. The ‘frown, frown’ lyric captures the collective annoyance and existential weariness of a community caught in the relentless grind.
‘Commotion’ also alludes to the struggle against conformity and the loss of individuality, which are often byproducts of urban sprawl. The song paints a picture of a populace scrambling through life, mirroring the very traffic jams they’re stuck in—motion without progress, congestion without connectivity.
Lost in Transmission: The Sound and Fury Signifying Nothing
‘People keep atalkin’, they don’t say a word’ strikes as a powerful line highlighting the superficial chatter inundating society. From political circles to personal spaces, talk is plentiful but meaning is scarce. The song criticizes the superfluous nature of communication where the cacophony of the everyday drowns out introspection and true dialogue.
The noise pollution symbolized in the stanzas is a barrier to genuine connection, suggesting that the ‘commotion’ is not just a byproduct of city living but of a culture that values noise over substance. The jab at the White House reflects a broader disenchantment with the state of leadership, hinting at the disconnection between the governing and the governed.
The Illusion of Speed: Chasing Time, Losing Ourselves
In an age where efficiency is worshipped, ‘Commotion’ casts a skeptical eye on the rush and urgency that characterizes the daily rat race. ‘Hurryin’ to get there so you save some time’ encapsulates the paradox of modern life – expending time to save it, yet ultimately having none left for oneself.
The reference to the treadmill is two-fold; it highlights the futility of running in place and the societal push towards productivity at the cost of personal fulfillment. It’s a reminder of the irony of ‘saving time’ which often leads to a life less lived, dominated by the ticking clock and the constant push to do more in less time.
The Chorus That Roars: The Clamorous Cry for Silence
The chorus, repetitive and urgent, ‘Com, commotion Git, git, git, gone,’ serves not just as a hook but as the heart of the song’s message. The word ‘commotion’ itself becomes synonymous with the desire to escape, to get away from the tumult that pervades every aspect of life.
The simplicity and repetition of the chorus create an almost meditative or hypnotic effect, mimicking the pervasive commotion it describes. As it burrows into the listener’s consciousness, it becomes an infectious mantra for those yearning for a break from the endless noise and activity.
The Hidden Meaning: A Vivid Social Commentary
Beneath the surface, ‘Commotion’ carries a deeper societal critique about the nature of progress and the value systems that underpin American culture. It questions what we are collectively moving towards, raising a mirror to the chaos we’ve accepted as normal and pushing for introspection about the direction of societal growth.
The imagery of collective frowning and nonverbal noise points towards a looming disconnect that ‘Commotion’ cleverly brings to the forefront. It’s a challenge to the listener to find individual meaning and direction in the midst of the maelstrom, a hidden meaning that implores a wake-up call beyond the apparent.
