Fortunate Son- Creedence Clearwater

Origin

In the September of 1969 Creedence Clearwater, released their album Willy and the Poor Boys. It is placed at number 17 on a list of the 200 greatest songs of the 1960s by Pitchfork Media. Also it is registered in the Library of congress for being culturally, and historically significant to American history. The song was inspired by the wedding of David Eisenhower, the grandson of President Dwight David Eisenhower, to Julie Nixon, the daughter of President Richard Nixon, in 1968. More importantly, and this can not be reiterated enough, it is a snap shot of what American life was back then. The lyrics themselves are crucial in painting this picture. 

Interpretation 
Some folks are born silver spoon in hand  
Lord, don't they help themselves, oh
But when the tax men come to the door
Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale, yes

In this verse, we can tell that Fogerty is talking about a rich family. Rich families dealing with the military have had ways to pull strings from the very beginning. Some could buy positions in the service, but in this case, their families bought their sons freedom from a early grave. Those who, were not as fortunate, during the draft, did not have a choice.

Vietnam War

During the early years of the Vietnam war, there was surprisingly, high moral among troops, eighty percent of the citizens themselves were in favor of the war. 

This song, not intentionally spurred the counterculture of anti-war sentiment to the Vietnam conflict. The song has been widely used to protest military actions and elitism in Western society, particularly in the United States; as an added consequence of its popularity, it has even been used in completely unrelated situations, such as to advertise blue jeans. Ironically though, many will interpret it as an anti-war song, however, it is not as much critical to the war, but is more directed to the “fortunate sons” that were born in the elite classes. Many people suffer in war, but the main point that was meant to be put across was that the majority suffer more than others, some are more equal than others.

Citation

"Fortunate Son." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Apr. 2014. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.

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