How long did it take John Fogerty to write 'Fortunate Son'?

John Fogerty famously wrote 'Fortunate Son' in just twenty minutes.

What inspired John Fogerty's song 'Fortunate Son'?

'Fortunate Son' was inspired by class disparities, perceived unfairness in the Vietnam War draft, and childhood observations of wealth.

When did John Fogerty write 'Fortunate Son'?

John Fogerty wrote 'Fortunate Son' in the summer of 1969.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Fogerty's 'Fortunate Son': A 20-Minute Masterpiece

Fogerty's 'Fortunate Son': A 20-Minute Masterpiece

9 Jan

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Summary

The song 'Fortunate Son' was written in a rapid 20-minute burst.
Fogerty's songwriting was influenced by class disparities and the Vietnam War draft.
Early childhood observations of wealth and privilege sparked the song's themes.

Fogerty's 'Fortunate Son': A 20-Minute Masterpiece

John Fogerty, the voice behind Creedence Clearwater Revival, has shared the unique genesis of the band's hit song "Fortunate Son." He described the writing process as unusually long in concept but remarkably swift in execution, taking only twenty minutes to complete.

Fogerty traced the song's inspiration back to his childhood observations of wealth and privilege, particularly the sight of expensive limousines and the concept of a "favorite son." These early feelings of suspicion towards the powerful and rich resurfaced as he witnessed the Vietnam War unfold and saw how some individuals avoided military service due to their status.

In the summer of 1969, these reflections on class, politics, and fairness coalesced. Sitting down with a legal pad, Fogerty channeled his thoughts and emotions into lyrics, resulting in the completed song "Fortunate Son" in a mere twenty minutes, a speed he describes as unparalleled in his songwriting career.