About the song
“Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a powerful anthem that resonates with listeners across generations. This iconic track was released in 1969 as part of their album “Willy and the Poor Boys,” and it quickly became a symbol of protest and social commentary during a turbulent period in American history.
Written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, John Fogerty, “Fortunate Son” delivers a scathing critique of class privilege and the inequities of the Vietnam War era. Fogerty’s gritty vocals and the band’s signature swamp rock sound create an atmosphere of defiance and rebellion, mirroring the sentiments of the countercultural movement of the 1960s.
Upon its release, “Fortunate Son” climbed the charts, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its impact went beyond its commercial success, however, as the song became a rallying cry for anti-war activists and a source of inspiration for generations of music fans.
Over the years, “Fortunate Son” has been embraced as a timeless classic, earning its place in the cultural lexicon and inspiring countless covers and interpretations. Its enduring relevance serves as a testament to the power of music to provoke thought and ignite social change, making it one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most enduring and influential songs.
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Lyrics
Some folks are born made to wave the flag
Hoo, they’re red, white and blue
And when the band plays “Hail to the chief”
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord
It 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 furtunate one, no
Some folks are born silver spoon in hand
Lord, don’t they help themselves, Lord?
But when the taxman come to the door
Lord, the house lookin’ like a rummage sale, yeah
It 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-yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyes
Hoo, they send you down to war, Lord
And when you ask ’em, “How much should we give?”
Hoo, they only answer, “More, more, more, more”
It ain’t me, it ain’t me
I ain’t no military son, son, Lord
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…