Roots Rock

The song “Bad Moon Rising” was written by Creedence Clearwater Revival member John Fogerty. It was released as a single in April, 1969, and then on their album Green River. The song rose to #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the U.K. Singles Chart. It sold more than one million copies and earned them an RIAA Gold Record. Fogerty said he was inspired by a scene with a hurricane in the film The Devil and Daniel Webster, and the song is about “the apocalypse that was going to visited upon us.”

Whether you call the style that Creedence Clearwater Revival played roots rock, sixties swamp rock, blues rock, or hard rock, they have been very popular. The band consisted of John Fogerty (lead vocals, lead guitar), Tom Fogerty (rhythm guitar), Stu Cook (bass), and Doug Clifford (drums). They formed in El Cerrito, California, and were together from 1967 to 1972.

Here are the lyrics to “Bad Moon Rising” by CCR:

“I see the bad moon arisin’
I see trouble on the way
I see earthquakes and lightnin’
I see bad times today

Don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

I hear hurricanes ablowin’
I know the end is comin’ soon
I fear rivers overflowin’
I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise
Alright

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 eye

Well, don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

Don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise”

For other songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Susie Q” and  “Down on the Corner”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ commercial free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Bad Moon Rising” by CCR.