About the song
“Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a powerful anthem that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release. The song, originally featured on the band’s 1969 album *Willy and the Poor Boys*, is renowned for its stirring lyrics and compelling performance. It became a significant part of the soundtrack of the 1960s, a time marked by social upheaval and political change.
The track’s enduring appeal is highlighted by its live performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1970, a moment captured in a memorable concert that showcases the raw energy and passionate delivery of the band. Creedence Clearwater Revival, led by John Fogerty, brings an electrifying intensity to the stage, making this live rendition a powerful representation of their distinctive sound and social commentary.
“Fortunate Son” stands out for its critical perspective on social inequality and class privilege. The lyrics express frustration and disillusionment with the disparity between those who are able to avoid military service and those who are not, reflecting the broader sentiments of the time. Lines like “It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate son” underscore the divide between the privileged and the ordinary citizens who were more directly affected by the Vietnam War.
The song’s impact was not limited to its original release. The performance at the Royal Albert Hall further cemented its status as a protest anthem, capturing the band’s unfiltered criticism of the establishment. The live version adds a layer of immediacy and urgency, with the raw, unadulterated sound of the band connecting deeply with the audience.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to address social issues and reflect the spirit of an era. The song’s live performance at the Royal Albert Hall is a testament to its enduring relevance and the band’s ability to channel their political and social concerns into a memorable and impactful musical experience. For older audiences who lived through the tumultuous times of the late 1960s and early 1970s, this performance represents both a nostalgic and powerful reflection of a pivotal moment in history.
Video
Lyrics
Some folks are born made to wave the flag
Hoo, they’re red, white and blue
And when the band plays “Hail to the chief”
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord
It ain’t me, it ain’t me
I ain’t no senator’s son, son
It ain’t me, it ain’t me
I ain’t no furtunate one, no
Some folks are born silver spoon in hand
Lord, don’t they help themselves, Lord?
But when the taxman come to the door
Lord, the house lookin’ like a rummage sale, yeah
It ain’t me, it ain’t me
I ain’t no millionaire’s son, no, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me
I ain’t no fortunate one, no
Yeah-yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyes
Hoo, they send you down to war, Lord
And when you ask ’em, “How much should we give?”
Hoo, they only answer, “More, more, more, more”
It ain’t me, it ain’t me
I ain’t no military son, son, Lord
It ain’t me, it ain’t me
I ain’t no fortunate one, one
It ain’t me, it ain’t me
I ain’t no fortunate one, no, no, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me
I ain’t no fortunate son, no, no, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me…