About the song
John Fogerty’s “Fortunate Son” is a timeless anthem that resonates with the essence of protest and social commentary, capturing the turbulent era of the Vietnam War and the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s.
The song opens with a distinctive guitar riff that immediately grabs the listener’s attention, setting the stage for Fogerty’s gritty vocals to take center stage. With a blend of rock and folk influences, “Fortunate Son” delivers a powerful message that challenges the societal inequalities and questions the notion of privilege and entitlement.
Lyrically, the song is a scathing critique of the disparity between the affluent and the working class, particularly highlighting the hypocrisy of wealthy individuals who evade military service and avoid the harsh realities faced by those less privileged. The chorus, with its defiant refrain of “It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no senator’s son,” encapsulates the rebellious spirit and anti-establishment sentiment of the time.
Fogerty’s passionate delivery adds depth and authenticity to the song’s message, making it a rallying cry for generations of listeners who resonate with its themes of social justice and equality. The driving rhythm and energetic instrumentation further amplify the song’s impact, creating an electrifying atmosphere that demands attention and provokes thought.
“Fortunate Son” remains relevant in today’s context, serving as a reminder of the enduring struggles for justice and the ongoing fight against systemic injustices. Its enduring popularity and continued relevance attest to its status as a classic protest song that continues to inspire and empower listeners to question authority and stand up for what they believe in.
In essence, “Fortunate Son” is not just a song—it’s a powerful statement that captures the zeitgeist of an era and continues to resonate with audiences as a symbol of defiance, resilience, and the pursuit of a more equitable society.
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Lyrics
Some folks are born made to wave the flagHoo, they’re red, white and blueAnd when the band plays “Hail to the chief”Ooh, they point the cannon at you, LordIt ain’t me, it ain’t meI ain’t no senator’s son, sonIt ain’t me, it ain’t meI ain’t no furtunate one, noSome folks are born silver spoon in handLord, don’t they help themselves, Lord?But when the taxman come to the doorLord, the house lookin’ like a rummage sale, yeahIt ain’t me, it ain’t meI ain’t no millionaire’s son, no, noIt ain’t me, it ain’t meI ain’t no fortunate one, noYeah-yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyesHoo, they send you down to war, LordAnd when you ask ’em, “How much should we give?”Hoo, they only answer, “More, more, more, more”It ain’t me, it ain’t meI ain’t no military son, son, LordIt ain’t me, it ain’t meI ain’t no fortunate one, oneIt ain’t me, it ain’t meI ain’t no fortunate one, no, no, noIt ain’t me, it ain’t meI ain’t no fortunate son, no, no, noIt ain’t me, it ain’t me…