Celebrating John Fogerty’s 75th birthday, we delve into Creedence Clearwater Revival’s iconic track, “Fortunate Son.” More than just a song, it’s a potent two-minute explosion of anti-establishment sentiment that resonated deeply in 1969 and continues to echo with relevance today. This anthem, fueled by John Fogerty’s raw energy and CCR’s signature sound, became a defining voice for the counterculture movement, standing in solidarity with those questioning the Vietnam War. Decades later, the powerful message behind the words to “Fortunate Son” remains strikingly pertinent, speaking to social inequalities and the cyclical nature of conflict.
When “Fortunate Son” burst onto the airwaves in 1969, its message was unmistakable: a searing critique of the class disparities inherent in war. The song’s lyrics unflinchingly pointed out how the burden of conflict disproportionately falls on the working and middle classes, while the privileged elite often evade service due to their social standing. John Fogerty himself articulated this sentiment succinctly:
It’s the old saying about rich men making war and poor men having to fight them.
This quote encapsulates the core frustration driving “Fortunate Son.” The song’s enduring appeal lies in Fogerty’s ability to channel this anger into a visceral musical experience. In a 2015 interview, he reflected on the song’s genesis, stating:
The thoughts behind this song – it was a lot of anger. So it was the Vietnam War going on… Now I was drafted and they’re making me fight, and no one has actually defined why. So this was all boiling inside of me and I sat down on the edge of my bed and out came “It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no senator’s son!” You know, it took about 20 minutes to write the song.
This immediacy and raw emotion are palpable in every word of “Fortunate Son.” The fact that such a powerful and enduring song could be written in such a short time is a testament to Fogerty’s songwriting genius and the urgency of the message he needed to convey. It’s akin to other rapid-fire songwriting bursts that captured pivotal moments, such as Neil Young’s “Ohio,” written in response to the Kent State shootings.
While the words to “Fortunate Son” speak to a broader societal issue, John Fogerty later revealed a specific, though not widely known, inspiration: David Eisenhower, grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and son-in-law of Richard Nixon. This personal connection highlighted the perceived privilege of those connected to political power during the Vietnam era. Fogerty explained:
Fortunate Son” wasn’t really inspired by any one event. Julie Nixon was dating David Eisenhower. You’d hear about the son of this senator or that congressman who was given a deferment from the military or a choice position in the military. They seemed privileged and whether they liked it or not, these people were symbolic in the sense that they weren’t being touched by what their parents were doing. They weren’t being affected like the rest of us.
This context adds another layer to understanding the words of “Fortunate Son.” It wasn’t just a general anti-war statement, but a pointed critique of a system where some seemed to be shielded from the consequences of decisions made in power.
Upon release, “Fortunate Son” resonated instantly. Despite being a B-side to “Down on the Corner,” it soared to #3 on the Billboard charts, demonstrating its immediate connection with listeners. Its cultural significance has only solidified over time. “Fortunate Son” holds the esteemed #99 position on Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 500 Songs of All Time. Further cementing its importance, the Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry, recognizing it as “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”
The relevance of the words to “Fortunate Son” continues into the 21st century. The song’s themes of inequality and the abuse of power find resonance in contemporary political landscapes. Regardless of specific political figures, the song’s underlying message about those in power versus those who bear the brunt of their decisions remains powerfully relevant. The song’s enduring message transcends specific administrations and speaks to timeless societal imbalances.
“Fortunate Son’s” impact is further evidenced by the diverse range of artists who have chosen to cover it, each bringing their unique interpretation to the song’s potent words. U2 notably incorporated “Fortunate Son” into their Zoo TV Tour in 1992, offering a rendition that contrasted with The Edge’s typical minimalist guitar style, adding a raw energy to their live performances.
In 2001, Dropkick Murphys injected their signature punk energy into “Fortunate Son,” accelerating the tempo and amplifying the song’s inherent anger. Their cover intensifies the feeling of outrage embedded in the lyrics, giving it a new, contemporary edge.
Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder have also frequently performed “Fortunate Son,” often collaborating with a rotating cast of musicians. A notable 2003 performance featured an array of artists including Johnny Marr, Steve Earle, and Billy Gibbons, showcasing the song’s broad appeal across genres and generations.
Even John Fogerty himself revisited “Fortunate Son” in 2013, joining Foo Fighters for a collaborative version on their album ‘Wrote a Song for Everyone.’ This collaboration underscores the song’s multi-generational impact and enduring appeal to artists across the musical spectrum.
Beyond artist covers, “Fortunate Son” has permeated popular culture through its inclusion in video games like Call of Duty, Rock Band, and Grand Theft Auto V, and its use in numerous films and television shows. However, its attempted commercialization by Wrangler jeans sparked controversy. John Fogerty vehemently opposed this use, stating:
Yes, the people that owned Fantasy Records also owned all my early songs, and they would do all kinds of stuff I really hated in a commercial way with my songs. … Then one day somebody from the L.A. Times actually bothered to call me up and ask me how I felt, and I finally had a chance to talk about it. And I said I’m very much against my song being used to sell pants. … So my position got stated very well in the newspaper, and lo and behold, Wrangler to their credit said, “Wow, even though we made our agreement with the publisher, the owner of the song, we can see now that John Fogerty really hates the idea”, so they stopped doing it.
This incident highlights Fogerty’s commitment to the integrity of “Fortunate Son” and its anti-establishment message, resisting its reduction to a mere marketing tool.
In conclusion, the words to “Fortunate Son” are more than just lyrics; they are a timeless expression of protest and social commentary. John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival created an anthem that continues to resonate across generations. Thank you, John Fogerty, for the music and the enduring power of “Fortunate Son.”
