Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Album: Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)

Charted: 14

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As the income gap grew in America, "Fortunate Son" took on new meaning as an anthem for the disenfranchised working class who found themselves working harder for less while corporate executives accumulated obscene wealth.

In 2018, the Creedence Clearwater Revival YouTube channel posted the first "official" video for this song, which zeroed in on this theme. Directed by Ben Fee, it shows a cross-section of Americans who do not identify with the privileged class, brandishing the line "it ain't me" as a credo. The video was shot in 10 different states during the course of a road trip. The images are very positive, with the subjects showing a communal spirit and resolve.

The video was part of the CCR50 campaign celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band, which was only active from 1968-1972. The hashtag #ItAintMe was used to promote the video.

Comments: 116

Antonlee from IndianapolisI think it's interesting that the phrase "Fortunate Son" never appears in the song.
AnonymousBud Dark: You don't realize how the song can speak out against Vietnam without being supportive of the soldiers? It's incredibly obvious: when he says "it ain't me" he's saying that the soldiers fighting didn't start the war, they got sent there because the rich and powerful started a war and they were the ones who had to fight in it, not them. When he said "I ain't no military son" it's referring to the grandson of Dwight D. Eisenhower, who (at the time) used his status as Eisenhower's grandson to avoid the war (although he did eventually serve in the military).

Telling John Fogerty to stick to music just means that you never actually listened to his music.
My ReceiptifyIt's quite amusing to observe how some individuals interpret songs like this, using them as a basis for their disdain towards the government, particularly in the US. On the other hand, staunch right-wing supporters simply appreciate the music, while those who are more discerning revel in the intricate ironies. When we're on the field, facing the enemy, it's not that we lack understanding; it's actually quite the opposite. We comprehend far more than our critics might realize. We put our lives on the line to safeguard, among other things, their right to criticize us.
Bud Dark from Illinois"This song spoke out against the war in Vietnam but was supportive of the soldiers fighting there." How? I call BS.

Revisionist history from Fogarty.
"I ain't no military son." Huh??

Never heard that he was in the Army until a few years ago, when veterans were respected again. When this song was written, people at the airports spat on troops returning from Vietnam.

"Well, that's exactly what happened recently in Lafayette Park. When the President decided to take a walk across the park, he cleared out the area using federal troops so that he could stand in front of St. John's Church with a bible."

Anarchists and leftists rioted and set fire to the church. Hundreds of cops were injured. Take your kneejerk leftist politics & shove them, Fogarty!

PS, I saw your band around '71 and it was great. Stick to music.
Dan from CalifRun through the jungle is not about Vietnam it's about Proliferation of gun control in America . People get it right, I think John Fogerty gets tired of hraring the song is about Vietnam.
Mewirez from PennsylvaniaBlue collar & white collar workers are just that. The "labor" or workers that do the hart dirty work in factories wear blue button down collared shirts. Hence, blue collar workers.

The "big wigs" up in their A/C cooled offices, wear the white button down collared shirts, hence white collar workers. White collar crimes... etc.
Irony from FloridaSo many snowflakes in the comments are so mad that they can't deny that Trump is a cowardly draft dodger who called a true war hero, McCain, a loser for suffering in a war Trump used money to avoid. Pathetic. You can't support a traitorous coward and call yourself a patriot. Pick one.
Jess from JasikaWhat's hilarious to me is that so many snowflakes seem to take this and similar songs as justifications for their hatred of (especially the US) government -- and hardcore right-wingers just enjoy the music, and the brighter bulbs among us revel in the complex ironies. When we're out there killing the enemy, it isn't that we don't understand: it's that we understand far more than our detractors can imagine. We're better than they are: we risk our lives to protect, among other things, their freedom to persecute us.
D from Njwe all can agree that Orange face BONESPURS is the Real "Fortunate Son" - got out of draft fraudulently (his M.O.) numerous times and didn't even serve in the reserves! COWARD - No service time AT ALL!- humping flags DOES NOT MAKE YOU A PATRIOT!!!! Lost many good friends in Vietnam and others left with terminal medical or mental issues, While the Rich got Richer!!!
Rw from So CalifSpot on
Moremoney2 from KentuckyI did not signup for the reserves to avoid the draft like John Fogerty. I went down to post office at 18 and signed up for the draft like most young men, but I guess I was really the Fortunate Son, because my number never came up. God bless those who served and God bless Donald J. trump.
AnonymousThere's a fourth political song on Willy and the Poor Boys. Effigy is about Richard Nixon
Soldier from AmericaThat fortunate son in the whitehouse is serving as commander in chief over all the armed forces. Show some respect.
AnonymousBlue collar is a term for working class people who typically work dirtier jobs, or one with a smaller paycheque. They were called this because if they wore white shirts, the dirt from work would show on the fabric.
Pvt. Peon from SodomEven during the American Civil War the rich avoided serving.
Jesse from MississippiWhat's hilarious to me is that so many snowflakes seem to take this and similar songs as justifications for their hatred of (especially the US) government -- and hardcore right-wingers just enjoy the music, and the brighter bulbs among us revel in the complex ironies. When we're out there killing the enemy, it isn't that we don't understand: it's that we understand far more than our detractors can imagine. We're better than they are: we risk our lives to protect, among other things, their freedom to persecute us.
Rylie from South DakotaWhat does the word blue collar in this song mean? So freaking confused.
Michael from At LouisJohn Fogerty was not drafted.
He served in the Army reserves. If you were drafted in 1966 you did not have the option to join the reserves you went directly on active duty for 2 years and had a 90% chance of going to Vietnam.
You avoided the draft by joining the reserves or the guard, which is what he did.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn November 16th 1969, C.C.R. performed “Fortunate Son" & "Down on the Corner” on the CBS-TV program 'The Ed Sullivan Show'...
At the time "Fortunate Son" was at #14 and "Down on the Corner" was at #21 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart...
The following week Billboard combined both sides on the chart and the record was at #9; on December 14th, 1969 both sides peaked at #3 {for 1 week} and spent 15 weeks on the Top 100...
The group's rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty passed away on September 6th, 1990 at the young age of 48...
May he R.I.P.
Slick Goodlin from Santa Clara, CaRegarding George Bush's military service, here are comments from from someone who actually served with him:

COL. WILLIAM CAMPENNI (retired) U.S. Air Force/Air National Guard, Herndon, VA.

George Bush and I were lieutenants and pilots in the 111th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS), Texas Air National Guard (ANG) from 1970 to 1971. We had the same flight and squadron commanders (Maj. William Harris and Lt. Col. Jerry Killian, both now deceased). While we were not part of the same social circle outside the base, we were in the same fraternity of fighter pilots, and proudly wore the same squadron patch.
It is quite frustrating to hear the daily cacophony from the left and Sen. John Kerry, Massachusetts Democrat, et al., about Lt. Bush escaping his military responsibilities by hiding in the Texas ANG. In the Air Guard during the Vietnam War, you were always subject to call-up, as many Air National Guardsmen are finding out today. If the 111th FIS and Lt. Bush did not go to Vietnam, blame President Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, not lowly Lt. Bush. They deliberately avoided use of the Guard and Reserves for domestic political calculations, knowing that a draftee only stirred up the concerns of one family, while a call-up got a whole community's attention.
The mission of the 147th Fighter Group and its subordinate 111th FIS, Texas ANG, and the airplane it possessed, the F-102, was air defense. It was focused on defending the continental United States from Soviet nuclear bombers. The F-102 could not drop bombs and would have been useless in Vietnam. A pilot program using ANG volunteer pilots in F-102s (called Palace Alert) was scrapped quickly after the airplane proved to be unsuitable to the war effort. Ironically, Lt. Bush did inquire about this program but was advised by an ANG supervisor (Maj. Maurice Udell, retired) that he did not have the desired experience (500 hours) at the time and that the program was winding down and not accepting more volunteers.
If you check the 111th FIS records of 1970-72 and any other ANG squadron, you will find other pilots excused for career obligations and conflicts. The Bush excusal in 1972 was further facilitated by a change in the unit's mission, from an operational fighter squadron to a training squadron with a new airplane, the F-101, which required that more pilots be available for full-time instructor duty rather than part-time traditional reservists with outside employment.
The winding down of the Vietnam War in 1971 provided a flood of exiting active-duty pilots for these instructor jobs, making part-timers like Lt. Bush and me somewhat superfluous. There was a huge glut of pilots in the Air Force in 1972, and with no cockpits available to put them in, many were shoved into nonflying desk jobs. Any pilot could have left the Air Force or the Air Guard with ease after 1972 before his commitment was up because there just wasn't room for all of them anymore.
Sadly, few of today's partisan pundits know anything about the environment of service in the Reserves in the 1970s. The image of a reservist at that time is of one who joined, went off for six months' basic training, then came back and drilled weekly or monthly at home, with two weeks of "summer camp." With the knowledge that Mr. Johnson and Mr. McNamara were not going to call out the Reserves, it did become a place of refuge for many wanting to avoid Vietnam.
There was one big exception to this abusive use of the Guard to avoid the draft, and that was for those who wanted to fly, as pilots or crew members. Because of the training required, signing up for this duty meant up to 2½ years of active duty for training alone, plus a high probability of mobilization. A fighter-pilot candidate selected by the Guard (such as Lt. Bush and me) would be spending the next two years on active duty going through basic training (six weeks), flight training (one year), survival training (two weeks) and combat crew training for his aircraft (six to nine months), followed by local checkout (up to three more months) before he was even deemed combat-ready. Because the draft was just two years, you sure weren't getting out of duty being an Air Guard pilot. If the unit to which you were going back was an F-100, you were mobilized for Vietnam. Avoiding service? Yeah, tell that to those guys.
The Bush critics do not comprehend the dangers of fighter aviation at any time or place, in Vietnam or at home, when they say other such pilots were risking their lives or even dying while Lt. Bush was in Texas. Our Texas ANG unit lost several planes right there in Houston during Lt. Bush's tenure, with fatalities. Just strapping on one of those obsolescing F-102s was risking one's life.
Critics such as Mr. Kerry (who served in Vietnam, you know), Terry McAuliffe and Michael Moore (neither of whom served anywhere) say Lt. Bush abandoned his assignment as a jet fighter pilot without explanation or authorization and was AWOL from the Alabama Air Guard.
Well, as for abandoning his assignment, this is untrue. Lt. Bush was excused for a period to take employment in Florida for a congressman and later in Alabama for a Senate campaign.
Excusals for employment were common then and are now in the Air Guard, as pilots frequently are in career transitions, and most commanders (as I later was) are flexible in letting their charges take care of career affairs until they return or transfer to another unit near their new employment. Sometimes they will transfer temporarily to another unit to keep them on the active list until they can return home. The receiving unit often has little use for a transitory member, especially in a high-skills category like a pilot, because those slots usually are filled and, if not filled, would require extensive conversion training of up to six months, an unlikely option for a temporary hire.
As a commander, I would put such "visitors" in some minor administrative post until they went back home. There even were a few instances when I was unaware that they were on my roster because the paperwork often lagged. Today, I can't even recall their names. If a Lt. Bush came into my unit to "pull drills" for a couple of months, I wouldn't be too involved with him because I would have a lot more important things on my table keeping the unit combat ready.
Another frequent charge is that, as a member of the Texas ANG, Lt. Bush twice ignored or disobeyed lawful orders, first by refusing to report for a required physical in the year when drug testing first became part of the exam, and second by failing to report for duty at the disciplinary unit in Colorado to which he had been ordered. Well, here are the facts:
First, there is no instance of Lt. BMedush disobeying lawful orders in reporting for a physical, as none would be given. Pilots are scheduled for their annual flight physicals in their birth month during that month's weekend drill assembly — the only time the clinic is open. In the Reserves, it is not uncommon to miss this deadline by a month or so for a variety of reasons: The clinic is closed that month for special training; the individual is out of town on civilian business; etc.
If so, the pilot is grounded temporarily until he completes the physical. Also, the formal drug testing program was not instituted by the Air Force until the 1980s and is done randomly by lot, not as a special part of a flight physical, when one easily could abstain from drug use because of its date certain. Blood work is done, but to ensure a healthy pilot, not confront a drug user.
Second, there was no such thing as a "disciplinary unit in Colorado" to which Lt. Bush had been ordered. The Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver is a repository of the paperwork for those no longer assigned to a specific unit, such as retirees and transferees. Mine is there now, so I guess I'm "being disciplined." These "disciplinary units" just don't exist. Any discipline, if required, is handled within the local squadron, group or wing, administratively or judicially. Had there been such an infraction or court-martial action, there would be a record and a reflection in Lt. Bush's performance review and personnel folder. None exists, as was confirmed in The Washington Post in 2000.
Finally, the Kerrys, Moores and McAuliffes are casting a terrible slander on those who served in the Guard, then and now. My Guard career parallels Lt. Bush's, except that I stayed on for 33 years. As a guardsman, I even got to serve in two campaigns. In the Cold War, the air defense of the United States was borne primarily by the Air National Guard, by such people as Lt. Bush and me and a lot of others. Six of those with whom I served in those years never made their 30th birthdays because they died in crashes flying air-defense missions.
While most of America was sleeping and Mr. Kerry was playing antiwar games with Hanoi Jane Fonda, we were answering 3 a.m. scrambles for who knows what inbound threat over the Canadian subarctic, the cold North Atlantic and the shark-filled Gulf of Mexico. We were the pathfinders in showing that the Guard and Reserves could become reliable members of the first team in the total force, so proudly evidenced today in Afghanistan and Iraq.
It didn't happen by accident. It happened because back at the nadir of Guard fortunes in the early '70s, a lot of volunteer guardsman showed they were ready and able to accept the responsibilities of soldier and citizen — then and now. Lt. Bush was a kid whose congressman father encouraged him to serve in the Air National Guard. We served proudly in the Guard. Would that Mr. Kerry encourage his children and the children of his colleague senators and congressmen to serve now in the Guard.
In the fighter-pilot world, we have a phrase we use when things are starting to get out of hand and it's time to stop and reset before disaster strikes. We say, "Knock it off." So, Mr. Kerry and your friends who want to slander the Guard: Knock it off.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn October 26th 1969, "Fortunate Son" by C.C.R. entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #58; and on November 16th, 1969 it was at #14 and after Nov. 16 Billboard combined it with the record's A-side, "Down On the Corner"...
And on December 14th, 1969 "Down on the Corner" b/w "Fortunate Son" peaked at #3 for one week...
The quartet had eight other Top 10 records, with five of them peaking at #2...
Tom Fogerty passed away on September 6th, 1990 at the young age of 48...
May he R.I.P.
Camille from Toronto, OhHere it is 2013, and this is still a rockin' song. I love the way Fogerty wails on this tune. You'll always have a multitude of people feel like they 'ain't no fortunate son'. That, along with the vocals and awesome guitar playing, are the reasons this song stands the test of time.
Victor from Youngstown, OhHaving heard the song in the 60's and then hearing it many years later, it dawned on that the song was really about Al Gore, He enlisted to serve in the war, but when it came time they sent him to Nam to be a "journalist" . He went there in January and returned home in May of the same year. He only went there to help his father win an election.
Jpep from Bham, AlNixon was not the President when this song was written, LBJ was. Bill Clinton is a fortunate son.
Rachel from Bailey, CoThis song was written in part due to a response about Eisenhower's grandson marrying Nixon's daughter. CCR felt these types of people would never get involved in the Vietnam War. It was meant to symbolize the frustrations by the common man who had just been drafted.
Wayne from N Las Vegas, Nv I don't know who decided that people protesting the unfairness of the draft system was less patriotic than those who fought in the war. I guess their brains can't handle concepts greater than one dimension.

I always thought a patriot fought for the country not the government.
Ken from Philadelphia, PaI have to laugh at the morons trying to spin the meaning of this song after it was used to such great effect to embarass their boy and, while it didn't help get him booted out of office, at least it will help ensure that he will go down in history as the worst president in the history of our republic. Look the guy who wrote the song... I think we can agree that he probably knows what it was about... spent much of 2004 barnstorming across the country playing it for anyone who would listen in hopes of getting them to see the light and vote the "Fortunate Son" out of office. Just because he didn't quite reach of his goal, doesn't change the fact that John Fogerty certainly knows what his own song was about.
Ernest from Chicago, Aki hate music class its the only reason im studying this
Joel from Beliot, WiI heard this song done as a duet by Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty on a television special and was blown away. On a side note they also covered (Oh) Pretty Woman.
Myrnaloy from La Bana, GaI agree with you 100% Brian from Grand Forks, ND. I too know it's a music board but I can't keep quiet either. Having been around during the Vietnam War I have to agree with Brian, this song was talking about GWBush Jr., there was talk about it everywhere back in the late 60's & early 70's. So it's NOT about Al Gore and the similarities with this song and the War in Iraq are purely coincidental. Brian is right, he was a deserter because he never showed up for duty in the guard. So Jonathan from KY, get your story straight before you start trying to make Bush Jr. look like a hero. The biography of GWBush is rightly titled "Fortunate Son". If you want more information about his "service" in the National Guard, or lack of, look up MoonScapes by Elizabeth Moon or go to president-bush.com. Bush Sr. started Desert Storm when his son Jr. was involved in the Savings and Loan Scandal in Texas back in the 80's, to take attention away from Jr. because he was going to be indicted & face jail term but instead....we make him PRESIDENT. Just look up "The Bush Family & the Savings & Loan Scandal" on google. The S&L Scandal was due to the de-regulation of the savings and loan banks back during Reagan's REGIME. Does ANYONE see similarities to THAT & what happened on WALL ST? Wake up people!!!! This Nation is ASLEEP!!!!
Bob from Berkeley, CaThis song is playing in one scene in the 1980 movie "Melvin and Howard," where it has no connection with the dialogue and the action. Maybe the director just wanted as many people as possible to hear this GREAT SONG!
John from Grand Island, NyClearly CCR's best and one of the best rock songs ever.
Nick from Seattle, AlbaniaThis riff rules! so rock!
btw...CCR > the Stones
Jessica from Tulsa, OkI freakin LOVE this song. Great story, and great music. Just LOVE it.
Nick from _, PaGreat song! I love this song, wish I could hear it more often. As far as the "this song definately applies to the war in Iraq" bit goes, you are wrong. There are those of us who signed up with the military, not because of money issues. All of us knew what we were getting into when we signed up, still we proudly serve. I would appreciate it if those who make those referances would stop. Espescially those who have not served and those who have never been deployed. Go blog it some where else. CCR ROCKS!
-SGT, 1st Army, Baghdad-
Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnThis song has a great and blunt message, John Fogerty is awesome.
Steve from Garland, TxHey, Jake from Plattsburgh: that was TOM Fogerty who died in 1990. As of today (4/22/09), JOHN Fogerty is alive and well.
Jake from Plattsburgh, Nyhey allen from some place,ak Fogerty died in 1990. so theres no way of he played at the superbowl.
David from Miami, FlThis song is not anti-war or anti-Vietnam as much as it's "anti-freeloader".

VERSE ONE: concerns those who verbally support the war as long as it's you, and not them, fighting it.

VERSE TWO: concerns those who DO NOT support the war but still enjoy the fruits of this country, such as the rich who masquerade as working class people, trust-funded hippies, and the Haight-Ashbury counterculture. They enjoy the benefits of this country but when it comes time to pay the bills, it's you, not them, who has to pay the taxes. Take some of Obama's recent cabinet appointments for example.

VERSE THREE: is about high ranking military leaders who only ask for more and more troops, refusing to face the possibility we have little hope of success.

Put those three groups together and you probably have 95% of the people who live in this country. It's really funny to see the anti-Bush people bandwagon on this song, especially when there's a high probability they qualify as verse two freeloaders.
Sphinx from Phinix, AzIt is a awesome song!!!
Dale from Middletown, DeJohn Kerry did not spend no where near the time that most men spent in Vietnam. I love the guitar riff in the beginning of this song. ccr rocks!!!!
Ekristheh from Halath, United StatesWow, Saul Zaentz gets around, doesn't he?... He also owns the the film, stage, and merchandise rights for the J.R.R. Tolkien estate.
Robin from Chattanooga, TnI have a review of the John Fogerty Revival tour concert at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium Dec.5 2007 posted at www.ArtFRONT.com/ConcertReviews.htm
Among a lot of other more musical things this article discusses "Fortunate Son" and it's relevance to the current political climate and observes a couple of young Iraq war era military types response to the song. The article also compares The Stones and Robert Plant with Fogerty and there's a bit about being a young kid in 1970 listening to all their music. Then the article links up with this here page You are reading now. Not bad for an old guy eh?
~R.
Jin from Oz, KsI still think this applies today. Sure we don't have the draft, but the price of college is very high, and with the army waving full tutition under your nose, who needs the draft? College use to be a way to get out of the army. Now the army is the way to get into college. Unless your a fourtunate son.
Dav from Ft Lauderdale, FlTodd Snider just released an incredible blues version on his new CD Peace Queer
Cameron from Austin, Txyou know only three United States Senators have sons that have done tours in Iraq. 2 democrats, Tim Johnson of South Dakota and Jim Webb of Virgina, and one Republican, John McCain. It just goes to show most of the "fortunate sons" don't have to worry about going to war. This is such a great song and its a sad truth
Steve from Binghamton, NyFogerty not owning the rights explains a lot... I absolutely could not figure out why Kerry's campaign did not use this song as an ad in 2004; most of the nation could connect the dots real well, and there is hardly anyone of voting age who has not heard this song.
Chris from Brisbane, AustraliaThis band took great influence from an older but not to popular band named Dr. Spangle. The singer of this band "Mitchell Roland", helped to strengthen John Fogerty's vocal range
Mel from Riverbank, CaSo many disagreements on whether this is a patriotic song or not.. Personally I think it is, CCR was commenting on a problem that is even 40 years later still a problem in the world. I think it really depends on what you think is patriotic. Love of your country doesn't have to preclude acknowledging it's faults or demanding change where needed, I think in that sense Fortunate Son is absolutely patriotic, championing the Average American. If one is of the mindset that to be a patriot doesn't have leave room for disagreement or change, only blind loyalty, then no, I guess one would not find this a 'patriotic' song. I'd be interested to hear Mr Fogerty's opinions on the relevance of 'Fortunate Son' in today's America.
Martin Sheen from Saigon, --An Anti-war song
Kaylee from Chicago, IlMartijn, Helmond, Netherlands...You suggest that the Bush administration knew and purposely allowed the deaths of hundreds of Americans purely so that we could have a reason to go to war? My best friends father was killed in the second tower, I was sitting next to her as we watched the building collapse. This song in no way relates and has absolutely nothing to do with the war in Iraq. It is about the Vietnam War and the draft involved. Please keep comments about blame for 9-11 out of here. Thanks.
Mark from Byrdstown, TnYeah the CCR and Rolling Stones thing is total BS.Fogerty and CCR had to copy no one.....they were totally original and their music is far superior to anything the Stones did.

Who cant help but think of the mess in Iraq and little rich boy GW Bush when they hear this song?
Joshua from Pittsboro, NcGreat song I love CCR there the best.
This songs not a protest against the Vietnam war its a a protest against the draft,
and how "Fortunate son's" got out of the draft.
quit using this song to write about your own Political opinons. This is not a blog go get your own website.
Tim from Deer Park, Ohsong reminds me of fun time at the little miami river w/ friends good times (sigh)
Junaid from Islamabadit is used in movie "Live Free,or Die Hard " when Bruce Willis driving with Justin Long and Bruce Willis turned on classic radio station . It also played in the end credits of the movie.
Cory from C-town, Ohthis song is amazing. its by far the best song in the movie forest gump =]
Jody Olthoff from Cheney, KsCCR is the best band of all time!
Jody from Cheney, KsCCR is the best band ever, all of their music rocks
Chrissy from West Islip, NyDuring the Vietnam War, 234 sons of Congressman were drafted. Out of the 234, only 28 were actually sent to Vietnam and zero were killed.
Brian from Dennis, Madoes anyone else think this song is kleshe IN VIETNAM MOVIES? i love the song, but its used too much as a movie song
Aaron from Manistee, MiSeriously. Riche kids dont have to serve. I come from a poor family and Im almost certain Ill have to go in the service when I graduate.
Mike from Hueytown , AlJohn just tells it like it is . Great Song. Not only is George W a fortunate son is also a murder of hundreds of American troops and Iraqi civilians.
Bill from Queens, NyThe anti-war song "Fortunate Son" by John Fogarty of Creedance Clearwater Revival also inspired a book by the same title. Ironically, the author of the book was Lewis B. Puller, Jr., the son of the legendary General "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated U.S. Marine in American military history and a genuine hero during World War II and the Korean War. Lewis tried to follow in his father's footsteps, but a landmine in Vietnam cut Lewis's military career short. The young marine officer lost both legs, both hands, and his body was riddled with shrapnel. Miraculously, young Lewis survived to run for Congress, lead a campaign against the Vietnam War, and write a Pulitzer Prize-winning book, which he bitterly titled FORTUNATE SON. On May 11, 1994, Lewis committed suicide. He was the son a famous general, but ultimately he was no fortunate son. God bless and keep you, Lewis.
Spencer from Las Vegas, NvKyle you are 100% correct. John FOGERTY (that to Caren who spelled it FOGARTY) was not a hippie. He was in the Army. I don't know what you mean when you say a beast song, though...
Tammy from Nashville, TnFor all of you who are bickering about Bush and Clinton and everything else that have nothing to do with this song, you need to go over to the message boards. This is for comments on the song....what it means to you, etc.....not for debating. Read the Comment Guidelines. I love this song and I think it's CCR's best.
Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScYeah, this song is definitely about how senators' sons didn't have to experience the war like regular U.S. soldiers did. They were either exempt or got safer assignments. Because of this, and the fact that some believe the government of the U.S. didn't do a good jub in Iraq, this definitely applies to what's going on today in Iraq.
Jim from Saginaw, Mithis is in response to all you people that claim that U.S. government knew about 9/11 and/or they were behind it. Expescially Martijn, Helmond, Netherlands blaming our government for something that had no personal effect on your country. Fortunate Son was about how all of the sons of the polictical leaders were given cushy jobs in the vietnam war, which we wouldn't have been in if it wasn't for our allie france which was in control of vietnam. This is a great song and it sickens me that people are completely taking it out of contexts and connecting it with the war in Iraq. This song was about vietnam NOT about Iraq.
Erin from Houston, TxThis song reminds of the conflict in America over the Vietnam War. He says that "some people are born made to wave the star spangled flag," which I think refers to politicians. "It ain't me, I ain't no Senator's son... I ain't no fortunate one." This is a reference to how people with connections were exempt from the draft during the war or were given safer assignments. "Some folks are born silver spoon in hand Well, they help themselves, yeah When the taxman comes to the door House looks a like a rummage sale." How the already rich get richer, yet evade having to pay like average citizens. "Some folks inherit star spangled eyes
Yeah, when they send you down to war Well, when you ask them how much you should give Yeah, it's always more, more, more" Star spangled eyes are the idealistic politicians who supported the war and began the draft process, yet had no personal experience of knowledge of what was really happening in Vietnam. How much should you give? Could mean monetary contributions, but also those that volunteered to fight the war and still they instituted the draft to draw more men into fight.

I did read that Fogerty wrote this song after hearing about the elaborate wedding of Nixon's daughter to another politically connected groom. It was extrememly elaborate and cost an extreme amount of money. This happened at a time when many men were dying as young men on the battlefield. The contrast between the rich (Nixon) and the poor (Vietnam troops, the rest of America grieving over their losses) is very prominent in this song...
Dan from New York, Nytheres bound to be a connection between CCR and the Stones, because theyre both early rock and roll bands, and most, if not all of those bands were blues-influenced, so they all have similar structures. i've never consciously noticed the connection though
Sean2567 from Beverly Hills, Dei think i view this song differently then some of you. i think that the song is more about things you dont whant to do but have to. like do dishes, rich people dont do dishes, i know its about war. but i dont think it has any negetives about america, sure some thing we dont whant to do but have to and its not always a bad thing im a republican and i love this song becouse i view it differently and becouse its a great song.my country of birth is israel,and over there you have to join the millitary at 18 years of age,not everyone whants to go but it not a bad thing when you do something for your country rich or poor so somethimes we are all unfutunate ones.
Caren from Detroit Area, Miwondering how you're disagreeing with me, John... Fogarty ought to be the poster child for the American conscience.
John from Kalamazoo, Kynow to disagree with caren. Fogerty was an American legend.
John from Kalamazoo, Kythis should be the national anthem
Sean Harris from Hatfield, Pathis song is covered by Pearl Jam on their 05/03/03 state college show. Fogerty is a TRUE American for writing this song.
Also Forest Gump Soundtrack...Amazing!
Caren from Detroit Area, MiRegarding Bartholomew's comment: "I hate to say it, but John Fogerty was a down-right hippie," what exactly is wrong with THAT?! Hippies renounced the greed of corporate industry, the lack of responsiveness and accountability of the U.S. government, and the immorality of the Vietnam War. Fogarty set those beliefs to music and helped bring them to the attention of a generation of Americans.
Michael from Atlanta, GaActually this song is very patriotic. Like the one comment said, to question a government's actions of sending its people to fight a war, that is more patriotic than just following along like a mindless robot. Where the american revolutionaries patriotic when they rebelled against British government?
Tj from Woodbridge, Vaalso in Forest Gump. "hi im forest, forest gump." it is in the scene where the helicopter comes in when there at the camp.
Larry_the_duck from Los Angeles, CaHello: I am Larry the Duck Los Angeles CA. Earlier in this thread a mention was made about John Fogerty not owning the publishing rights to this song "Fortunate Son." Currently Fogerty still does not have full ownership to the publishing rights of the songs he penned as a member of CCR under the Fantasy Records label that was in the control of the pus-bag Saul Zaentz. Zaentz no longer owns Fantasy Records since selling the label to Concord Music Group, co-owned by the legendary television and movie producer Norman Lear. Although Fogerty doesn't own the songs outright he does have control of how the use of his songs in the catalog can and cannot be used. On September 9, 2005 it was announced: "After more than three decades, John Fogerty, one of the most important songwriters of all time, has returned to Fantasy Records." On November , 2005 Fantasy/Concord released "The Long Road Home â?? The Ultimate John Fogerty · Creedence Collection", an aptly titled disc that honors the icon's musical journey from his early career to today. Fogerty just completed a full year of touring with his new band. Look for a concert DVD recorded at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles in early 2006.
Ozzzy from Sydney, AustraliaDo you really think the children of the rich fight the war in Iraq?
Bridgett from Fort Worth, TxI do not see how you can equate Fortunate Son with the war in Iraq. The Vietnam War drafted young men. The troops in Afghanastan and Iraq are strictly volunteer. These young men are willing serving their country. Rather you agree with the war, or Bush's actions, you must remember these young men and women volunteered to ensure our freedom or flow of oil, how ever you may view it.
Martijn from Helmond, NetherlandsIt is becoming more and more clear that the Bush administration knew about the terrorist plans to hi-jack planes well before 9-11 but that they allowed it to happen because it would cause a 'new Pearl Harbor' that would given them a pretext to go ahead with their plans of re-militarization and of a war in Iraq to secure oil fields in the Middle East for the USA. In that respect the present war resembles the war in Vietnam, which was entered into by the US armed forces on a false pretext (an attack by North Vietnam of an American warship that never actually took place.)
Brad from Indianapolis, InIf you buy into the illusion of the difference between the Dems and the Reps, then you miss the point of the song. The gang in charge will fight wars as they wish, and you, the people who live in their turf, will be the cannon fodder.
Tim from Dalton, MaHey Brandon, maybe you didn't see the picture of Kerry's daughter going out on a campaign stop with a completely see through dress, and oh I mean completely...you shouldn't be talking about the twins
Brandon from Bel Air, CaThis song is uber-cool. It most definitely is timeles. A true testament agaisnt the children of the big mucky mucks of the vietnam war era to the SlutBushTwins. If the day comes when the SlutBushTwins enlist to fight the war their daddy started agaisnt an innocent country (and its people) I will gladly eat my chapeau. Until that time I rejoice in listening to anti-establishment music and just hope this sham Iraqi war finally ends.
James from Bridgeport, CtKerry was indeed a fortunate son in most aspects of his life, but in terms of his vietnam service he didn't get off easy like many others. Kerry was there and was actually in the thick of battle.
John from Boston, MaI hate how this is such a political board. Don't give me this crap that Bush is a "Fortunate Son" and Kerry isn't. Every politican is a "Fortunate Son", it's by definition. This song is about the lower class, and the stubborn pride of it. That's the way I think of this song, you can have any interpetation you want, but just don't give me the crap that Brian in Grand Forks or where ever in ND gave me. What about your beloved Kerry and all the bull he got away with because of his status, or Clinton, or every other politician...
Jake from Berkeley Heights, Njbush smoked pot too buddy
Martin from Sydney, AustraliaFeatured in the opening soundtrack for the game 'Battlefield Vietnam'. The name is also used for a biography of George W Bush.
Scott from Naf Atsugi, JapanWow, everyone seems to be pointing out GW Bush's "dodging" the Vietnam War. What about the beloved Bill Clinton? He went to England for college and to smoke pot. Why didn't he go to Vietnam? While it appears to be true Bush was absent from his duties in the Air National Guard(it depends on who you ask as to the reasons for this)he did at least serve in the military unlike Clinton. Also, he flew F-102s, one squadron of F-102s was sent to Vietnam early in the conflict. After one was shot down and none were able to engage MIG fighters, the type was pulled back to America as defense against Russian bombers. Bush never would have gone due to this.
Bob from Wilmington, DePolitical stuff aside, "Fortunate Son" was great rock and roll MUSIC! The opening guitar riffs, the nice steady bass line. and the kicking drums are what I like most about the song.
I respect Fogerty's opinion on the Vietnam war and the apparent inconsistencies of draft board policies back in that era. But mostly I just like the music.
By the way, I think the Afghanistan/Iraq/Middle East situation is completely different from Vietnam. WE DIDN'T CHOOSE TO HAVE THE TWIN TOWERS DESTROYED, THE ISLAMIC TERRORISTS DID. I don't remember the Viet Cong doing anything like 9/11 in the USA!

-Bob, Wilmington, Delaware
Sumner from Paragould, AkBush is basically doing a replay of Vietnam. I'm tired of the government and the right-wing establishment blaming the Arts for all its problems when they're the problem themselves. Fortunate Son- Greatest left-wing ever, ranked right up there with The Door's "Unknown Soldier."
Dave from Elmira, NyThis is a great song. Speaking of facts it reminds me of the draft dodger in the whitehouse;also a fortunate son.
Jonathan from Lexington, KyIt has been documented that G.W. Bush volunteered for duty in Vietnam twice but was turned down in favor of more experienced pilots because he didn't have enough flight hours. No, Michael Moore and Dan Rather forgot to mention this fact (along with a lot of others, and the facts they did mention were mostly made up.) Bush tried to go so he could do his duty. How many of you lefties can say the same?
Charles from Augusta,, GaFormer VP Dan Quayle was also a "Fortunate Son"
Jordan from Ontario, Canadaincluded on the Forest Gump soundtrack...quite possibly the best soundtrack ever.
Allen from Some Place, AkFogerty sung this at the 2005 Super Bowl pre-game show.
Kelsey from Wilmington, NcYou can apply this song to our nation now and it still makes perfect sense
Jim from Pearland, Tx"Its stupid that some people think this is a patriotic song." - blake, Kennesaw, GA, USA

"To question your country's policy, especially in a war that kills people, is definitely not un-American. It's probably the most patriotic thing you can do." - John Fogerty
Blake from Kennesaw, Ga, UsaIts stupid that some people think this is a patriotic song.
Bartholemew from Cork, IrelandI hate to say it, but John Fogerty was a down-right hippie.
Erik from Oc, CaThe "senators son" in this song is Al Gore.
Charlie from Thomaston, Ctmy fav CCR tune
Tyler from Hamilton, CanadaSeger actually released this song on the Like a rock Cd. all other artists who covered it have simply performed it in concert, not released it.
Max from Ottawa, CanadaThis song was covered by Wyclef Jean for the 2004 version of "The Manchurian Candidate". It appears during the opening credits. During the opening, they credit the song to being written by John Fogerty.
Brian from Grand Forks, NdBrett from Brooklyn... This is a Music Discussion board but I can't stay quiet...

Yes, Flying combat aircraft is a dangerous business but I would say that Vietnam is Much MORE dangerous... The Truth of the matter is many people tried to get into the national guard to avoid overseas duty... Here's the Truth... George W. Was able to get into Texas Air National Guard just 2 weeks before getting Drafted... Bush was accepted the same day that he applied... Jumping over around 500 applicants... Some of those on the list for over a year... During his time with the Air National Guard.. He was suspended for refusal to take a required physical... His original records were flagged with the notation PI... Which stood for Political Influence... And that PI status helped him out in 1972 after it was obvious that George W. just plain stopped showing up... He was not seen around the Texas Air National Guard for almost 9 months during that year... Bush was then designated a deserter... And the matter was swept under the carpet... It seems that George W. Was a FORTUNATE ONE or FORTUNATE SON...
Brett from Brooklyn, Ny The president flew in the Air National Gaurd and this has been proven. Old news. At least he served - flew jets (F-102's). While flying combat aircraft sounds all glamerous it's a dangerous business and many pilots die every year during training and in accidents. By the way several Air National Gaurd units where sent to Vietnam (such as the New Mexico ANG with F-100 super Sabres). If they federlized the TX ANG he would have went over. The tye of aircraft he flew was ill suited for Vietnam, it being an air defense inteceptor.
Raja from Austin, TxYou want to know what this song is about? Look at our current President (W) and what he did during the Vietnam War. Or should I say, what he didn't have to do?
Brandon from Seattle, WaBesides the connection between "Honky Tonk Women" and "Down on the Corner" both having choruses that feature multiple voices singing in unison. The intros are similar, listen to the way the cowbells are used. And, both songs are sung in similar beat. But, there are not many similarities with these two songs. But, however, they're both great songs.
Brett from Edmonton, CanadaI see the similiarity between "Fortunate Son" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash". They both have those twinging guitar notes, rolling chorouses, they both have titles that refer to a male ("Jack" and "Son"), they both have autobiographical lyrics ("Jack": "I was born in a crossfire hurricane" and "Son": "I ain't no fortunate son..."), etc. I don't see the connection of "Down on the Corner" to "Honky Tonk Women", however, except that they both have chorouses that feature multiple voices singing in unison.
Ryan from Tucson, AzThe Stones and CCR were both great bands, and all great bands might sound alike ever once in a while, listen to some of the the songs now a days, I Can't tell any of the bands apart, can you?
Brandon from Seattle, WaThe only similarities I see between the Stones and Creedence songs are that the songs have a similar rock sound, especially with the intros, but the intros were not copied. Yhere was not any plagiarism and the connection ends there.
John from Alexandria, Ky."Similarities, What Similarities?"
Brandon from Seattle, Wa"Fortunate Son" was later covered by Bob Seger. Bob Seger also covered a song that is similar to this one lyrically called: "2 + 2 = ?", but I never heard it.
Brandon from Seattle, WaWell, I'm not saying "Fortunate Son" was influenced (or copied for that matter) by "Jumping Jack Flash", vice versa with "Down On The Corner" and "Honky Tonk Women." I just see a little music similarity. Don't ge me wrong, I love the Creedeence tunes, I just find them to be a little similar, that's all I'm saying.
Brian from Paoli, InDude I think you are taking the Stones and CCR connection a little too far.
Brandon from Seattle, WaLike "Down On The Corner" is to "Honky Tonk Women", "Fortunate Son" is to "Jumping Jack Flash." I am not sure if there was any actual influence between these Stones and CCR hits, but there is definitely a musical reference in them somewhere.

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