About the Song
“Fortunate Son” is a song by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). It was released in 1969 as the B-side of the single “Down on the Corner”. The song was written by CCR’s lead singer and guitarist, John Fogerty. It is a protest song that criticizes the Vietnam War and the wealthy and powerful people who were able to avoid fighting in the war.
Composition and lyrics
“Fortunate Son” is a rock song with a driving beat. The song is in the key of E major and has a moderate tempo of 120 beats per minute. The song’s lyrics are critical of the Vietnam War and the wealthy and powerful people who were able to avoid fighting in the war. The song’s first verse describes a young man from a wealthy family who is able to avoid the war by attending college. The song’s second verse describes a young man from a poor family who is drafted into the war. The song’s chorus criticizes the wealthy and powerful people who are able to avoid the war while the poor and powerless are forced to fight.
Critical reception
“Fortunate Son” was a critical and commercial success. The song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song has been praised for its powerful lyrics and its catchy melody. “Fortunate Son” has been covered by many artists, including Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, and Foo Fighters. The song has also been used in many films and television shows, including “Forrest Gump”, “The Big Lebowski”, and “The Sopranos”.
Legacy
“Fortunate Son” is one of the most popular and iconic protest songs of all time. The song is a powerful indictment of the Vietnam War and the wealthy and powerful people who profited from the war. The song’s message is still relevant today, as it speaks to the injustice of war and the inequality of wealth and power.
Other information
- The song was written by John Fogerty, who was the lead singer and guitarist of CCR.
- The song was released in 1969 as the B-side of the single “Down on the Corner”.
- The song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, and Foo Fighters.
- The song has also been used in many films and television shows, including “Forrest Gump”, “The Big Lebowski”, and “The Sopranos”.
“Fortunate Son” is a powerful and iconic protest song that is still relevant today. The song is a reminder of the injustice of war and the inequality of wealth and power.
Barbara Desetto