Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who wrote the song Fortunate Son?
Who wrote the song Fortunate Son?
Creedence Clearwater Revival
What year did Creedence Clearwater Revival release Fortunate Son?
What year did Creedence Clearwater Revival release Fortunate Son?
1969
In 2014, the song Fortunate Son was added to what registry?
In 2014, the song Fortunate Son was added to what registry?
The National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress
What does the song Fortunate Son criticize?
What does the song Fortunate Son criticize?
Signup and view all the answers
During what war was the song Fortunate Son released?
During what war was the song Fortunate Son released?
Signup and view all the answers
Who also wrote the song Fortunate Son?
Who also wrote the song Fortunate Son?
Signup and view all the answers
Complete this passage: Some folks are born, made to wave the flag Ooo, they're red, white and blue And when the band plays '..................'
Complete this passage: Some folks are born, made to wave the flag Ooo, they're red, white and blue And when the band plays '..................'
Signup and view all the answers
What is the speaker complaining of when he says, 'It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no...'
What is the speaker complaining of when he says, 'It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no...'
Signup and view all the answers
What other song does the line 'Some folks inherit star spangled eyes' refer to in the song 'Fortunate Son'?
What other song does the line 'Some folks inherit star spangled eyes' refer to in the song 'Fortunate Son'?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the singer, if you ask those who support military action without bearing the cost, 'How much should we give?', what is their answer?
According to the singer, if you ask those who support military action without bearing the cost, 'How much should we give?', what is their answer?
Signup and view all the answers
Explain the line - 'Some folks are born, made to wave the flag Ooo, they're red, white and blue And when the band plays 'Hail to the Chief' Ooo, they point the cannon at you, Lord'
Explain the line - 'Some folks are born, made to wave the flag Ooo, they're red, white and blue And when the band plays 'Hail to the Chief' Ooo, they point the cannon at you, Lord'
Signup and view all the answers
Which album was the song 'Fortunate Son' released on?
Which album was the song 'Fortunate Son' released on?
Signup and view all the answers
In September 1969, 'Fortunate Son' was released as a single with what other song?
In September 1969, 'Fortunate Son' was released as a single with what other song?
Signup and view all the answers
Rolling Stone placed what song at #99 on its '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' list?
Rolling Stone placed what song at #99 on its '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' list?
Signup and view all the answers
Which band's name is often abbreviated to the initials 'CCR'?
Which band's name is often abbreviated to the initials 'CCR'?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is the lead singer of CCR?
Who is the lead singer of CCR?
Signup and view all the answers
'Some folks are born, silver spoon in hand Lord, don't they help themselves, y'all But when the taxman comes to the door,' what does the house look like?
'Some folks are born, silver spoon in hand Lord, don't they help themselves, y'all But when the taxman comes to the door,' what does the house look like?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Song Overview
- Title: Fortunate Son
- Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR)
- Songwriter: John Fogerty
- Release Year: 1969
- Album: Willy and the Poor Boys
Cultural Significance
- Added to the National Recording Registry (2014) for cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.
- Ranked at #99 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
Themes and Critique
- Critiques militant patriotism and the disconnect between wealth and military service.
- The speaker emphasizes the unfair burden of war on those without political power or wealth.
Context of Release
- Released during the Vietnam War, reflecting societal tensions regarding patriotism and the military draft.
Notable Lyrics and Analysis
- "Some folks are born, made to wave the flag”— Critique of exaggerated patriotism among the elite, who avoid personal sacrifice.
- "It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no”— Expresses sentiment of the common person feeling the weight of war.
- "Hail to the Chief"— Indicates the irony of patriotic displays contrasted with the dire consequences for others.
- Comparison to "The Star Spangled Banner"— The line "Some folks inherit star-spangled eyes" ties the concept of inherited privilege to national pride.
Related Releases
- Released as a single: September 1969, accompanied by "Down on the Corner."
Final Remarks
- John Fogerty serves as the band's lead vocalist, capturing the essence of his critique through poignant lyrics and powerful melodies.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge about the iconic song 'Fortunate Son' by Creedence Clearwater Revival. This set of flashcards covers the song's history, its release, and its significance. Perfect for music enthusiasts and students alike.