Proud Mary

Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty

About Proud Mary

"Proud Mary" is a rock 'n' roll song written by John Fogerty and first recorded by his band Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was released by Fantasy Records as a single from the band's second studio album, Bayou Country, which was issued by the same record company in January 1969. The single is generally considered to have been released in early January 1969, although at least one source states that it came out just before Christmas 1968. The song became a major hit in the United States, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1969, the first of five non-consecutive singles to peak at No. 2 for the group. It was the only song by CCR to be kept from the No. 1 spot by two songs, first unable to dethrone "Everyday People" by Sly and the Family Stone and then passed by "Dizzy" by Tommy Roe. 


Year:
1998
4:01
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

There's a place up ahead and I'm goin'
Just as fast as my feet can fly
Come away, come away if you're goin'
Leave the sinkin' ship behind

Come on the risin' wind
We're goin' up around the bend

Bring a song and a smile for the banjo
Better get while the gettin's good
Hitch a ride to the end of the highway
Where the neons turn to wood

Come on the risin' wind
We're goin' up around the bend

You can ponder perpetual motion
Fix your mind on a crystal day
Always time for good conversation
There's an ear for what you say

Come on the risin' wind
We're goin' up around the bend

Catch a ride to the end of the highway
And we'll meet by the big red tree
There's a place up ahead and I'm goin'
Come along, come along with me

Come on the risin' wind
We're goin' up around the bend

Do do do do
Do do do do
Do do do do
...

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


John Fogerty

John Cameron Fogerty (born May 28, 1945) is an American musician, songwriter, and guitarist, best known for his time with the swamp rock/roots rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and as a solo recording artist. Fogerty has a rare distinction of being named on Rolling Stone magazine's list of 100 Greatest Guitarists at #40 and the list of 100 Greatest Singers at #72. The songs "Proud Mary" and "Born on the Bayou" also rank amongst the Greatest Pop songs ("Proud Mary," #41) and Guitar songs ("Born on the Bayou," #53). more »

3 fans

Written by: John Cameron Fogerty

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Proud Mary" was written by John Fogerty, the lead vocalist and lead guitarist of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).
Date and Album Release
The song was first released by CCR in 1969 as the second single from their second studio album, "Bayou Country".
Chart Performance
"Proud Mary" peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it one of the band's biggest hits.
Song Inspiration
Fogerty wrote "Proud Mary" two days after he was discharged from the National Guard. The name Mary is said to be inspired by a maid in a TV commercial, and the reference to a river reflects his fascination with the Mississippi River.
Multi-Covered Song
"Proud Mary" is one of the most covered songs in rock and roll history, with notable versions by Ike and Tina Turner, Solomon Burke, and many others.
Recognition and Awards
The song was included in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. - "Proud Mary" was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Fogerty's Reaction to Cover Versions
Although many artists have covered "Proud Mary", John Fogerty has stated that the version by Ike and Tina Turner remains his favorite.
Meanings and Interpretation
"Proud Mary" has often been interpreted as a testament to the spirit of the working class. The song's lyrics tell a tale about living and working along a river, with the 'Proud Mary' thought to be a steamboat.
The Song’s Gender
The ship, 'Proud Mary', is referred to in the lyrics with female pronouns. Ships and boats are traditionally considered as female in many cultures, giving 'Proud Mary' a personality throughout the song.
Continued Popularity
Despite being over 50 years old, "Proud Mary" remains a popular song today, often appearing in TV shows, movies, and commercials, proving its timeless appeal.

Discuss the Proud Mary Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Proud Mary Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34576113/John+Fogerty/Proud+Mary>.

    Missing lyrics by John Fogerty?

    Know any other songs by John Fogerty? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Proud Mary

    8.1M
    42,542     2,209

    more tracks from the album

    Premonition [1997]

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "RA RA RASPUTIN, Lover of the ________ queen."
    A England
    B German
    C Russian
    D Sweden

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss John Fogerty's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    John Fogerty tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!