Ccr’s Soulful Tunes Ensure Your Legacy For Centuries. “Bad Moon Rising” At Royal Albert Hall Proves It!
“Bad Moon Rising” is one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most iconic songs, written by John Fogerty and released in 1969 as the lead single from their album *Green River*. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the top spot on the UK Singles Chart, among others. Despite its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, “Bad Moon Rising” conveys a sense of foreboding and doom through its lyrics, reflecting the turbulent times during its release.
Fogerty drew inspiration from the 1941 film “The Devil and Daniel Webster,” which influenced the apocalyptic imagery in the song. The line “I see a bad moon a-rising” sets the tone for a narrative filled with natural disasters and societal unrest. This contrast between the song’s cheery musical arrangement and its dark lyrical content contributed to its unique appeal and enduring popularity.
The recording process for “Bad Moon Rising” was remarkably smooth. Fogerty, who was the band’s primary songwriter and leader, recalled that the band was in sync during the recording sessions. However, this period of harmony within the band was fleeting, as creative and personal differences eventually led to tensions that contributed to the group’s dissolution in the early 1970s.
Musically, “Bad Moon Rising” features a driving rhythm and simple, effective production, characteristic of Fogerty’s style. He was influenced by 1950s rock and roll icons like Elvis Presley and his guitarist Scotty Moore. The song’s riff, built around an open E chord with an added sixth, showcases Fogerty’s ability to blend blues and country elements seamlessly.
Over the years, “Bad Moon Rising” has been covered by numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Emmylou Harris, further cementing its status as a classic. Despite its ominous lyrics, the song’s infectious energy has made it a staple in various media, from movies like “An American Werewolf in London” to countless TV shows and commercials.
John Fogerty himself has a light-hearted approach to the song, often playfully altering the lyrics during live performances to “There’s a bathroom on the right,” a humorous nod to a common mishearing of the actual lyrics. This playful attitude reflects Fogerty’s view of rock and roll as a genre meant to entertain and engage audiences without taking itself too seriously.
Overall, “Bad Moon Rising” remains a testament to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s impact on rock music. Its blend of catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics continues to resonate with listeners, ensuring its place in the pantheon of rock classics.
