About This Song
In the tapestry of rock and roll history, few bands have woven a narrative as rich and resonant as Creedence Clearwater Revival. With their roots sunk deep in the fertile soil of American blues, country, and rockabilly, CCR’s music captured the spirit of a nation in transition. Amidst the psychedelic haze of the late 1960s, their songs offered a grounded, relatable perspective on the changing times.
Released in 1969 on their landmark album Willy and the Poor Boys, “It Came Out of the Sky” is a prime example of CCR’s storytelling prowess. At its core, the song spins a yarn about a farmer named Joe, whose life is irrevocably altered when a UFO crashes onto his property. However, beneath its folksy exterior lies a commentary on greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of sudden wealth.
John Fogerty’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of Joe’s encounter with the extraterrestrial. The song’s opening lines, “He saw it comin’ down, he didn’t know what it was,” immediately set a tone of wonder and apprehension. As Joe investigates the crash site, he discovers a “strange device” that he initially mistakes for a “satellite.” The true nature of the object soon becomes apparent, however, as it begins to emit a “glowin’ light” and “strange sound.”
Rather than succumbing to fear or panic, Joe seizes the opportunity to capitalize on his newfound discovery. He quickly erects a fence around the crash site and starts charging admission to curious onlookers. The song’s chorus, with its catchy refrain of “It came out of the sky, and it landed in my field,” underscores the surreal nature of Joe’s situation.
As Joe’s enterprise grows, so too does his greed. He raises the admission price, hires security guards, and even builds a motel to accommodate the influx of visitors. The lyrics cleverly depict the transformation of Joe’s once-humble farm into a bustling tourist trap.
The song’s final verse takes a darker turn, as Joe’s obsession with profit leads to his downfall. The government, alerted to the UFO’s presence, intervenes and seizes control of the crash site. Joe is left with nothing but a pile of “twisted metal” and a bitter sense of regret.
“It Came Out of the Sky” is a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition. Through Joe’s story, CCR reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the simple joys of life. The song’s timeless message continues to resonate today, serving as a reminder to appreciate what we have and not to let greed consume us.
Barbara Desetto