Up Around the Bend by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Album: Cosmo's Factory (1970)

Charted: 3 4

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Songfacts®:

Written by lead singer John Fogerty, this is a very upbeat Creedence Clearwater Revival, giving a hint that, as bad as things were in the early '70s, there might be some hope for the future: Things would improve "Around The Bend." Bass player Stu Cook described the song as "Kind of the opposite of 'Run Through The Jungle.'"
This song required a bit of translation for British audiences. In England, if you go "around the bend" it means you go crazy. Then the band toured the UK, they had to explain to the British press that the song was not about dementia or mental problems.
In his memoir Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music, John Fogerty said that this song came to him when he was riding his motorcycle though the California hills.
Movies this song has appeared in include Michael (1996), Remember the Titans (2000) and Invincible (2006). It was also used in a 2008 episode of the TV show My Name Is Earl, and in the 2022 Stranger Things episode, "Papa." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Bertrand - Paris, France
Elton John covered this song shortly after it was released, and his version appears on several compilation albums. Hanoi Rocks recorded it for their 1984 Two Steps From The Move album.
In 2016, Wrangler used this in a commercial for their jeans, surprising after John Fogerty lashed out at the company when they used "Fortunate Son" in ads without his permission beginning in 2000. Fogerty doesn't control the rights to the songs he wrote for CCR, so they can be used without his consent.

Comments: 6

Anonymousi thought it may refer to a lsd trip-thats definitly "up around thre bend"
Jennifur SunGreat tune thought it would make a GREAT intro for a F1 race or a motorcycle race.
Happynow? from PdxAs a youngster back when this song was new I thought it was a Vietnam protest song about going to Canada. Leaving the bright light's of the U.S., "Neon's" for the forest's of the North "Turn to wood". Great song by a great band.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn April 19th 1970, "Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #48; and on May 31st it peaked at #4 (for 1 week) and spent 11 weeks on the Top 100 (and for 5 of those 11 weeks it was on the Top 10)...
It was the sixth in a string of nine straight records by CCR to make the Top 10; started with "Proud Mary" (#2), "Bad Moon Rising" (#2), "Green River" (#2), "Down On The Corner" (#3), "Travelin' Band" (#2), this one, "Lookin' Out My Back Door" (#2), "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" (#8), and finally "Sweet Hitch Hiker" (#6)...
R.I.P. Tom Fogerty (1941 - 1990) and the three remaining members of CCR; John Fogerty, Stu Cook, & Doug Clifford; will each celebrate their 69th birthdays this year.
Camille from Toronto, OhOh, that guitar riff lifts this good song to incredibly thrilling heights, sending it to another realm. It just pierces you heart with excitement the minute you hear it. My husband and I just went to a 'Creedence Clearwater Revisited' concert, drummer and bass player original to the group, and this song was their finale. Perfect ending to a great concert.
Nate from New York, NyI love this song! It has an awesome guitar riff.

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