About the Song
Few songs evoke a sense of unease and anticipation quite like Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising.” Released in 1969, this enigmatic rock and roll masterpiece has become a cultural touchstone, its cryptic lyrics and swampy groove leaving listeners both puzzled and enthralled.
Musically, “Bad Moon Rising” is a departure from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s usual blues-rock sound. The song is built on a hypnotic rhythm section, featuring a driving bassline and a steady, almost ritualistic drumbeat. Layers of distorted guitars create an atmosphere of tension, punctuated by John Fogerty’s distinctive, pleading vocals. It’s a soundscape that perfectly complements the song’s unsettling lyrics.
The true intrigue of “Bad Moon Rising” lies in its ambiguity. Fogerty paints a picture of a world on the brink, with ominous warnings of a “bad moon on the rise” and allusions to shadowy figures like “caterpillars of the evening long.” Lines like “I hear the sounds of thunder, how loud can it be?” create a sense of impending doom, leaving listeners to grapple with the meaning behind the cryptic imagery.
While interpretations vary, some believe the song is a social commentary on the tumultuous times of the late 1960s, a period marked by social unrest and the Vietnam War. Others see it as a more personal exploration of anxieties and fears. Regardless of the interpretation, the song’s power lies in its ability to tap into a primal sense of unease, a feeling of something sinister lurking just beneath the surface.
“Bad Moon Rising” wasn’t just a hit song; it became a cultural phenomenon. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been featured in countless movies and television shows. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to create a mood, a sense of anticipation that keeps listeners coming back for more. It’s a song that invites repeated listens, each uncovering new layers of mystery and intrigue.
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Lyrics: “Bad Moon Rising”
I see the bad moon a-rising
I see trouble on the way
I see earthquakes and lightning
I see bad times todayDon’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the riseI hear hurricanes a-blowing
I know the end is coming soon
I fear rivers overflowing
I hear the voice of rage and ruinDon’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the riseAll right
Hope you got your things together
Hope you are quite prepared to die
Looks like we’re in for nasty weather
One eye is taken for an eyeWell, don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the riseDon’t come around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise