About the song
“Proud Mary,” performed by the legendary duo Ike & Tina Turner, is one of the most iconic songs in the history of rock and soul music. Released in 1971 as part of their album “Workin’ Together,” this track showcases the powerful vocals of Tina Turner and the dynamic energy that characterized their performances. Originally written by John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Proud Mary” was first released by CCR in 1969 and became an instant hit. However, it was Ike & Tina Turner’s cover that transformed the song into a rousing anthem that resonated deeply with audiences across the world.
Their rendition of “Proud Mary” brought a distinctive flair, combining elements of rock, soul, and funk. The song starts slow and soulful, reflecting the calm before the storm, then explodes into an upbeat, high-energy finish that is nothing short of electrifying. This unique structure not only highlighted Tina Turner’s extraordinary vocal range but also showcased her ability to infuse raw emotion into every performance.
The success of Ike & Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” was immense. It reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 on the R&B chart, solidifying its place in music history. The song earned them a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group in 1972, further cementing their status as musical icons.
“Proud Mary” remains a timeless classic, revered by fans and covered by numerous artists over the decades. It’s a testament to Ike & Tina Turner’s indelible impact on the music industry and their unparalleled ability to connect with audiences through their energetic and heartfelt performances.
Video
Lyrics
You know
Every now and then I think you might like to hear something from us
(Left a good job down in the city)
Nice and easy
But there’s just one thing, you see (workin’ for the man every night and day)
We never ever do nothin’
(But I never lost one minute of sleepin’) nice and easy
We always do it nice and rough
(Worryin’ ’bout the way that things might’ve been)
And we’re gonna take the beginning of this song and do it easy
(Big wheel keep on turnin’)
But then we’re gonna do the finish rough
(Proud Mary keep on burnin’) this is the way we do “Proud Mary”
And we rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’ on the river
Listen to the story now
Left a good job down in the city
Workin’ for the man every night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin’
I was worryin’ ’bout the way that things might’ve been
Big wheel keep on turnin’
Ooh, the Proud Mary keep on burnin’
And we’re rollin’ (rollin’), rollin’, yeah (rollin’)
Rollin’ on the river (rollin’ on the river)
Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis
And I pumped a lot of ‘tane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
Until I hitched a ride on the riverboat queen
You know the big wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
And we’re rollin’ (rollin’), rollin’, yeah (rollin’)
Rollin’ on the river (rollin’ on the river)
Say we’re rollin’ (rollin’), rollin’ (rollin’)
Rollin’ on the river (rollin’ on the river)
Oh, I left a good job in the city
Workin’ for the man every night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin’
Worryin’ ’bout the way things might have been
Big wheel keep on turnin’ (turnin’)
Proud Mary keep on burnin’ (burnin’)
Rollin’ (yeah), rollin’ (alright)
Rollin’ on the river (go ‘head now)
Rollin’ (oh), say we’re rollin’ (yeah)
Rollin’ on the river
We’re up, do do do do do do do do do do do
Alright
Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, y’all
Pumped a lot of ‘tane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
‘Til I hitched a ride on the riverboat queen
Big wheel keep on turnin’ (turnin’)
Proud Mary keep on burnin’ (burnin’)
Rollin’ (oh), rollin’ (yeah)
Rollin’ on the river (go ‘head now)
Say we’re rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’ on the river
We’re up, do do do do do do do do do do do
Alright
Yeah
Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Alright, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ooh yeah, yeah
If you come down to the river
Now, I bet you gonna find some people who live
You don’t have to worry if you got no money
The people on the river are happy to give
Big wheel keep on turnin’ (turnin’)
Proud Mary keep on burnin’ (burnin’)
Rollin’ (yeah), say we rollin’ (yeah)
Rollin’ on the river (alright now)
Rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’ on the river
We’re up, do do do do do do do do do do do
Woo
Alright
Woo, alright, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Rollin’, alright
Alright now, yeah
Rollin’ (yeah), rollin’ (uh-huh)
Rollin’ on the river (give me one more time)
Rollin’ (yeah), rollin’ (woo-wee)
Rollin’ on the river
Rollin’ (ow), rollin’ (yeah)
Rollin’ on the river
Rollin’ (yeah), rollin’