Just In:John Fogerty Recalls the Lyrics to an “Unusual” CCR Classic That Came to Him “In a Raging Torrent”

John Fogerty, the legendary frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), has always been known for his powerful songwriting ability. With his distinctive voice, evocative guitar playing, and poetic yet direct lyrics, Fogerty became a defining figure in American rock music during the late 1960s and early 1970s. As one of the key creative forces behind CCR’s immense success, he crafted a series of iconic songs that still resonate with listeners today. However, the story of one particular track—an “unusual” classic—has always intrigued fans and music historians alike.

This track, written by Fogerty, is “Bad Moon Rising,” a song that was released by CCR in 1969 and quickly became one of the band’s most famous hits. With its infectious rhythm, ominous lyrics, and simple yet memorable melody, “Bad Moon Rising” is a song that many people know well, even if they don’t necessarily understand its meaning. According to Fogerty, the inspiration for this song came to him in what he described as a “raging torrent,” as the lyrics and melody seemingly poured out of him in a burst of creativity.

The Inspiration Behind “Bad Moon Rising”

When John Fogerty recalls the genesis of “Bad Moon Rising,” he speaks with the kind of wonder that suggests even he was taken aback by the song’s sudden arrival. In interviews, Fogerty has explained that the idea for the song came to him almost instantaneously, as if the song already existed somewhere in his mind and simply needed to be transcribed. “It was like a hurricane came in and there it was,” Fogerty said. “I don’t know how it happened, but it came very quickly.”

The imagery of a “bad moon” and a sense of impending doom were certainly present in the lyrics, but Fogerty insists that he didn’t initially have a specific meaning or event in mind when he wrote the song. Instead, it was a reflection of the prevailing unease of the time—an era that was marked by social and political upheaval, civil rights struggles, and a growing sense of disillusionment. In his own words, “It was the time of the Vietnam War, protests, and the general sense that something was wrong in the world.”

However, despite the dark and foreboding imagery of the lyrics, the song itself is musically upbeat and bouncy, a juxtaposition that made “Bad Moon Rising” all the more striking. The combination of the cheerful melody and ominous lyrics created an eerie but infectious atmosphere that has contributed to the song’s enduring appeal.

An Unusual Songwriting Process

What makes “Bad Moon Rising” particularly unusual in the context of Fogerty’s songwriting catalog is how quickly and spontaneously it came together. Unlike many of his other songs, which he would often labor over, revising and refining the lyrics and music, “Bad Moon Rising” arrived in a flood. In fact, Fogerty himself was surprised by how easily the song came together, especially considering how much of his other work required more careful thought and crafting.

The lyrics for “Bad Moon Rising” were written in a single sitting, and the melody was composed just as quickly. “It felt like I was just there, receiving it,” Fogerty said in an interview. “It wasn’t something I had to force out.” The way the song came to him in such an effortless way was, to Fogerty, “an unusual experience”—one that he had not often experienced in his long career as a songwriter.

But while “Bad Moon Rising” may have come to him quickly, its success was not automatic. Fogerty has since explained that even after writing the song, he had some doubts about whether it would resonate with audiences. At the time, he felt that the track might be too dark or too unusual in terms of its lyrical content. However, his bandmates were immediately enthusiastic about the song, and they recorded it almost immediately.

The Song’s Immediate Success

When “Bad Moon Rising” was released as a single in 1969, it became an instant hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success was somewhat unexpected, given the stark contrast between its upbeat musical feel and its darker lyrical content. Yet, this contrast likely contributed to the song’s widespread appeal. The song was both accessible and haunting, a perfect fit for the turbulent times in which it was written.

Over time, “Bad Moon Rising” has come to be seen as one of CCR’s signature songs, a key example of the band’s ability to blend catchy rock and roll with deeper, often darker, themes. Its iconic riff, coupled with Fogerty’s gravelly, evocative voice, made it a standout track that has been widely covered and featured in countless films, commercials, and television shows.