When delving into the discography of John Fogerty Songs, one often uncovers layers of intricate songwriting and storytelling. The track “Train of Fools,” featured on the album Wrote a Song for Everyone, offers a fascinating glimpse into Fogerty’s creative process, revealing how a song can evolve from a simple idea to a profound narrative. This is the story behind the creation of “Train of Fools,” showcasing the dedication and meticulous approach John Fogerty brings to his music.
The initial spark for “Train of Fools” wasn’t the song we know today. Fogerty recounts an earlier, discarded version, a more lighthearted take he humorously describes as “fat Elvis.” He was under pressure to produce a song quickly, facing a studio session with his band in just 48 hours. This first attempt, while bearing the same title, lacked the depth and substance he sought. Recognizing its shortcomings, Fogerty made the bold decision to scrap it and start anew. Remarkably, he chose to persevere with the same title, “Train of Fools,” a testament to the strength of the core concept he envisioned. He understood the potential within the phrase, even if the initial musical interpretation fell short.
But what exactly is this “train of fools” that captivated Fogerty’s imagination? He recognized it as a powerful and resonant concept. From this core idea, he began to develop a cast of characters, each with their own backstory and flaws. Fogerty envisioned it as a “morality play,” a journey populated by archetypes of human failing. Years later, he likened it to an episode of Twilight Zone, conjuring the image of Rod Serling introducing the players: “Here’s the gambler, and here’s the loser, and here’s the pretty maiden who’s deceitful.” This evocative imagery highlights the allegorical nature of the song, transforming it into more than just a narrative, but a commentary on human nature.
Despite having a narrative structure and a clear journey for these characters, Fogerty felt the recorded version of “Train of Fools” was missing a crucial element: a conclusion. While the song effectively painted a picture of this journey, it lacked a sense of resolution or deeper meaning. Even with a completed recording in hand, Fogerty was prepared to discard it, driven by his pursuit of artistic completeness.
The turning point came with a specific line: “One will be addicted / Chained to the devil’s cross / That one’s going to die before he’s old.” Initially, this line served as the song’s ending, leading into the chorus. However, Fogerty felt it wasn’t enough. He then shifted his focus to the idea of a child, introducing a new dimension of vulnerability and societal impact. This led to the lines: “This one is a victim / A lost and broken child / Soon enough he’ll be a man to hate.” These lines injected a layer of pathos and social commentary, enriching the song’s thematic depth.
Expanding on this, Fogerty introduced the perspective of judgment and shared responsibility. He observed how people often adopt a self-righteous stance, quick to judge others while overlooking their own culpability. This observation culminated in the lines: “Those that point their finger / Will also share the blame.” These lines broaden the scope of the song, implicating not just the “fools” on the train, but also those who stand apart in judgment.
Finally, over several days of refinement, the concluding line emerged, tying everything together: “Those that point their finger / Will also share the blame / No one leaves this train to judgment day.” This powerful final line delivers a profound message of collective destiny and inescapable judgment, solidifying “Train of Fools” as a compelling and thought-provoking entry in the catalog of John Fogerty songs. It showcases not only his songwriting talent but also his dedication to crafting songs with depth, meaning, and lasting impact.
