Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) – Fortunate Son

About the Song

Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), the iconic American rock band, rose to fame in the late 1960s against the backdrop of a nation deeply divided by the Vietnam War. Their music, a potent blend of swamp rock and soulful vocals, often tackled social and political issues. “Fortunate Son”, released in 1969 on their album Willy and the Poor Boys, stands as a powerful critique of the war and a scathing indictment of privilege.
The song opens with a bluesy guitar riff and John Fogerty’s instantly recognizable vocals. The lyrics, delivered with a raw and almost sardonic edge, paint a clear contrast between those who readily embraced war and those who bore its brunt. Lines like “Some folks are born made to wave the flag, Ooh, they’re red, white and blue” and “And when the band plays ‘Hail to the chief’ Ooh, they point the cannon at you” establish a clear division between those who send others to fight and those who face the consequences.

The repeated refrain, “It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no senator’s son, son” is a defiant declaration. Fogerty emphasizes that the song’s message isn’t about blind patriotism, but about the hypocrisy of a system that allows the privileged to avoid the sacrifices demanded of the working class.
“Fortunate Son” doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of war. Lines like “Some folks inherit star spangled eyes Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord” and “**And when you ask them, ‘How much should we give?’ Ooh, they only answer ‘More! More! More!’” criticize the glorification of war and the profiteering that surrounds it.

The song’s impact transcended the boundaries of music. “Fortunate Son” became an anthem for the anti-war movement, its powerful lyrics resonating with a generation questioning the Vietnam War. The song has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, solidifying its place in American pop culture history.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” remains a powerful and relevant song. It’s a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of questioning authority. While the specifics of the Vietnam War may have faded, the song’s message of social justice and its critique of privilege continue to resonate in today’s world.

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Lyrics: Fortunate Son

Some folks are born made to wave the flag
Ooh, they’re red, white and blue
And when the band plays “Hail To The Chief”
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, LordIt ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no senator’s son, son
It ain’t me, it ain’t me; I ain’t no fortunate one, noSome folks are born silver spoon in hand
Lord, don’t they help themselves, oh
But when the taxman come to the door
Lord, the house lookin’ like a rummage sale, yeahIt ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no millionaire’s son, no, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me; I ain’t no fortunate one, no
Yeah!
Some folks inherit star-spangled eyes
Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord
And when you ask ’em, “How much should we give?”
Ooh, they only answer, “More! More! More!” Yo
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no military son, son
It ain’t me, it ain’t me; I ain’t no fortunate one, one
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate one, no no no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate son, no no no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me

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