10 Rock Songs That People Have Completely Misunderstood
6. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son
Potentially the most important band in the history of southern rock, Creedence Clearwater Revival must rank amongst the most underrated bands of all time. Arguments against politics having a place in music usually overlook bands such as Black Sabbath and Creedence Clearwater Revival, but that doesn’t mean the sociopolitical notions of their music is devalued.
Despite the fact John and Tom Fogerty formed the first version of CCR in 1959, the band didn’t officially release their self-titled debut record until 1968. Their biggest hit, though, would not reach the ears of a public audience until the following year. Included on the band’s fourth album ‘Willy and the Poor Boys’, the now world famous hit single ‘Fortunate Son’ is the group’s most recognisable tune (although ‘Bad Moon Rising’ also puts in a strong claim).
Initially, it was speculated and more or less assumed that the song was about the Fogerty brothers’ working class upbringing with lyrics like ‘some folks are born silver spoon in hand’ and ‘I ain't no millionaire's son’. In truth, ‘Fortunate Son’ is a song about rich families helping their sons to dodge being drafted into the Vietnam War. Other CCR songs such as ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain’ and the previously mentioned ‘Bad Moon Rising’ are also about the Vietnam War.