Abvout the song
“Green River,” the third studio album by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), was released on August 7, 1969, by Fantasy Records. This album was the second of three albums that the band released within that year, following “Bayou Country” in January and preceding “Willy and the Poor Boys” in October.
In early 1969, CCR had already made a significant impact with their previous release, “Bayou Country,” which featured the hit single “Proud Mary.” John Fogerty, the band’s producer and primary songwriter, was the creative force behind CCR’s success. The band was known for their disciplined approach, standing out from other San Francisco-based groups who often indulged in drug and alcohol use. Drummer Doug Clifford recounted their commitment to music over substances, highlighting their focus on creating tight, structured music rather than the extended, improvisational jams popular at the time.
The “Green River” album is notable for featuring some of CCR’s most celebrated tracks. It includes “Bad Moon Rising” and “Green River,” both of which reached No. 2 on the U.S. charts, as well as “Lodi” and “Commotion,” which also performed well. “Bad Moon Rising” stands out for its upbeat, catchy melody contrasted with its foreboding lyrics about disaster, inspired by a scene from the 1941 film *The Devil and Daniel Webster.*
John Fogerty, reflecting on the title track, “Green River,” shared that the song was inspired by his childhood memories of a place he visited near Winters, California. The song’s name also references a lime-flavored soda syrup from his youth, adding a personal touch to the music.
In summary, “Green River” showcases CCR’s unique blend of rockabilly and roots music, distinguished by their clear, concise musical style and evocative storytelling.
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Lyrics
Well, take me back down where cool water flow, y’all
Let me remember things I love, Lord
Stoppin’ at the log where catfish bite
Walkin’ along the river road at night
Barefoot girls dancin’ in the moonlightI can hear the bullfrog callin’ me, aw
Wonder if my rope’s still hangin’ to the tree, aw
Love to kick my feet way down the shallow water
Shoofly, dragonfly, get back to mother
Pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River
Well!Up at Cody’s camp I spent my days, Lord
With flat car riders and cross-tie walkers
Old Cody Junior took me over
Said, “You’re gonna find the world is smoulderin’
And if you get lost come on home to Green River.”Well!
Come on home