About the Song
A Riverboat Ride Through Southern Rock
âProud Maryâ is a classic rock anthem by Creedence Clearwater Revival, released in 1969. Written by lead vocalist and guitarist John Fogerty, the song is a blend of Southern rock, blues, and swamp rock, capturing the spirit of the Mississippi River and its working-class communities.
The Story Behind the Song
Fogerty has revealed that the song was inspired by a couple of experiences. Firstly, he was fascinated by the story of a washerwoman named Mary who worked on a riverboat. Secondly, he was discharged from the National Guard just two days before writing the song, and the experience of leaving the military left him feeling adrift and unfulfilled.
The Songâs Meaning
The song tells the story of a woman named Mary who works as a cook and a deckhand on a riverboat. Despite her hard work, she is proud of her job and her life on the river. The songâs chorus celebrates Maryâs resilience and determination, with the refrain âRollinâ on down the riverâ symbolizing her journey through life.
Musical Elements
âProud Maryâ is a fast-paced, upbeat song with a driving guitar riff and a catchy bassline. Fogertyâs vocals are powerful and expressive, conveying the songâs energy and emotion. The songâs instrumentation is simple yet effective, with the guitars, bass, drums, and piano creating a rich and textured sound.
Legacy
âProud Maryâ has become one of Creedence Clearwater Revivalâs most popular songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The songâs enduring popularity is due to its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and powerful message of resilience and determination. It is a classic of Southern rock music and a testament to the bandâs talent and songwriting ability.
Additional Notes
The song was a major hit for Creedence Clearwater Revival, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Ike & Tina Turner, Tina Turner, Muddy Waters, and Jennifer Hudson.
The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
In Conclusion
âProud Maryâ is a classic rock anthem that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and powerful message make it a timeless classic. The song is a testament to Creedence Clearwater Revivalâs talent and songwriting ability, and it remains one of their most popular songs.
Video
Lyrics: Proud Mary
Left a good job in the city
Workinâ for the man evâry night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepinâ
Worryinâ âbout the way things might have beenBig wheel keep on turninâ
Proud Mary keep on burninâ
Rollinâ, rollinâ, rollinâ on the riverCleaned a lot of plates in Memphis
Pumped a lot of âpane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
âTil I hitched a ride on a river boat queen
Big wheel keep on turninâ
Proud Mary keep on burninâ
Rollinâ, rollinâ, rollinâ on the river
Rollinâ, rollinâ, rollinâ on the river
If you come down to the river
Bet you gonna find some people who live
You donât have to worry âcause you have no money
People on the river are happy to give
Big wheel keep on turninâ
Proud Mary keep on burninâ
Rollinâ, rollinâ, rollinâ on the river
Rollinâ, rollinâ, rollinâ on the river
Rollinâ, rollinâ, rollinâ on the river
Rollinâ, rollinâ, rollinâ on the river
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Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) â Fortunate Son Me and Mrs. Jones â Billy Paul