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‘Bad Moon Rising’ – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Wikipedia

About the Song

1969 wasn’t just a pivotal year for history; it was a landmark era for music. Among the many iconic tracks that emerged, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” stands out as a song that not only dominated the charts but also captured the spirit of a changing world.

Released in April 1969, “Bad Moon Rising” preceded its parent album Green River by a few months, generating immense anticipation. The song’s unique blend of rock and roll and swampy blues, spearheaded by the legendary John Fogerty’s instantly recognizable guitar riffs and raspy vocals, sent shockwaves through the music scene.

The lyrics themselves remain shrouded in a bit of mystery, adding to the song’s mystique. Fogerty has described them as a metaphorical exploration of unease and impending change, a sentiment that resonated deeply with a generation witnessing social and political upheaval. Lines like “I see a bad moon rising” and “I hear the voices saying beware” took on a life of their own, fueling interpretations that connected with the anxieties of the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement.

“Bad Moon Rising” wasn’t just a cultural touchstone; it was a chart-topping phenomenon. The song soared to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, narrowly missing the top spot. However, it achieved even greater success across the pond, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart for a whopping three weeks. This international acclaim solidified Creedence Clearwater Revival’s status as a global musical force.

The legacy of “Bad Moon Rising” extends far beyond its chart success. The song has become a timeless classic, covered by countless artists across genres. Its dark, atmospheric sound and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, a testament to its ability to capture the essence of a tumultuous yet undeniably significant year in music history.

So next time you hear the opening chords of “Bad Moon Rising,” take a moment to appreciate the song’s enduring impact. It’s a reminder of the power of music to not only entertain but also reflect the complexities of the times in which it’s created.

Creedence Clearwater Revival 1970 Royal Albert Hall Show Coming Out – Billboard

Video

Lyrics: Bad Moon Rising 

I see the bad moon a-rising
I see trouble on the way
I see earthquakes and lightning
I see bad times today

Don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

I hear hurricanes a-blowing
I know the end is coming soon
I fear rivers overflowing
I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

All right

Hope you got your things together
Hope you are quite prepared to die
Looks like we’re in for nasty weather
One eye is taken for an eye

Well, don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

Don’t come around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

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NOBODY BECOMES A LEGEND BY STANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF A HARMONY. EXCEPT HAROLD REID. Don Reid sang the words. Jimmy Fortune reached the high notes. Phil Balsley held the middle. But Harold Reid held the floor beneath all of them. He was the bass of The Statler Brothers — not always the first voice people hummed on the way home, but the one they felt before they understood why the song worked. Take Harold out of a Statler record and the song still plays. It just does not land the same way. Something underneath is gone. That was his power. He was also funny enough to own a room before the first chorus ever arrived. In a group known for faith, family, and harmony, Harold gave the Statlers something just as important: warmth. He made the crowd laugh, then dropped his voice so low it felt like the whole song had found its foundation. Near the end, he told Jimmy Fortune he had been a blessed man and was ready whenever the Lord called him. When Harold passed in 2020, Jimmy wrote the plainest truth: “Our hearts are broken tonight.” Some singers want you to look at them. Harold Reid made you feel what was missing when he was gone.