Creedence Clearwater Revival – Bad Moon Rising

• 0
  General Comment:On November 5, 1968 a guy by the name of Richard Nixon was elected President. This universally detested monster ran on a campaign that vowed to return “law and order” to a nation torn by war resisters, protestors, riots, and mass disaffection. Fogerty’s song hit the airwaves right around that time and I always associated it with Nixon and the damage he would do that affected this nation to this very day (including the students who were blown away at Kent State).

  Flag TEMon October 28, 2011   Link

  • 1 Reply Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
    0

    Jesus C, poorly trained national guardsman opened fire on protesting students. Was Nixon responsible for the floods, hurricanes, and tornatos as well. You were too young to associate this song with ANYTHING. Heck, you weren't even born when Vietnam was being fought and the protestors were in the streets. He was "elected" president, so apparently people wanted him in office. AT LEAST the dishonest man didn't expand government on the backs of the working poor as Obama is doing. At least he didn't leave us with a mountain of debt that our children and grandchildren will not be able to dig themselves out of. At least he did not push a major health reform package that he and our elected leaderes DIDN"T READ yet the insurance companies didn't bother to fight (ever wonder why, asswipe?). War is ugly, even when justified. Lots of South Vietamese probably wouldn't agree with your opinion. Stick to dolls and Hot Wheels cars and leave history to those who actually experienced it.

    Flag ILUVUon May 27, 2012  
• 0
  General Comment:I really dont understand why the american creedence fans see weed in every song they listen...
  
  If I was in Mexico probally would shout: Caramba!! como le gusta esa mierda!!
  
  Ha,ha,ha!! Saludos desde Brazil!

  Flag sergioparanahon October 08, 2011   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:
  I think Fogerty went to London and got a Werewolf bite... then he'd back to USA and disbanded the Creedence!
  
  Of course I'm kidding! Actually I don't think the song had a coded message. Is just for fun.
  
  Regards to american fellas from Brazil!!

  Flag sergioparanahon October 08, 2011   Link

  • 1 Reply Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
    0

    Don't you mean felines, not fellas ;)

    Flag ILUVUon May 27, 2012  
• 0
  General Comment:I guess john met an American werewolf in London in his last tour in England...
  
  "Have ever thought about it" ?"

  Flag sergioparanahon October 07, 2011   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:I've read that this song was reaction to Richard Nixon's election in 1968. Clearly, he did not expect great things of Nixon.

  Flag Slyodon August 21, 2011   Link

  • 2 Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
    0

    He's a musician. The vast majority of musicians are poorly educated; come from shit families; party hard; were not raised with God or any higher power (so they think they are the center of their universe and everyone else's); and due to their busy schedules probably do not even follow the news. If a musician is liberal it's an oddity. Most are self-centered, loose, creative types who are led by the nose by those who impress them....the idiotic superficial Hollywood types.

    Flag ILUVUon May 27, 2012  

    0

    *isn't* liberal

    Flag ILUVUon May 27, 2012  
• 0
  General Comment:Listen, this song is about tripping. Not exackly a bad trip, theres just some things you can't do on a certain trip, like go outside in the dark with the moon shining. The tree branch shadows look there gonna eat ya, all kinds of crazyness. The first thing that always tells me the trip has finally kicked in is the moon. Its like, oh that thing looking at me, thats a little creepy. Is it following me? Whats the score here? Whats next?

  Flag coldironshackleson August 20, 2011   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:I love Creedence for making such great songs like Bad Moon Rising. It's just amazing how Fogerty creates such a great and powerful groove with just three chords!

  Flag groovybassiston March 07, 2011   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:I think the actual meaning of this song has been covered pretty well here...but I can't connect with vietnam personally like people that lived through it might be able to. To me, this song is about doing something that you know you shouldn't. In fact, it's about that feeling I've gotten a few times looking back and realizing I only did something because I shouldn't.
  
  The later lyrics are about accepting what's coming to you if you go through with it. Taking on the world, doing things just because people tell you not to is an important thing to do in the world especially these days when it feels like we are all rigid, robotic pawns of capitalist America. Sometimes ya gotta fight the good fight, in fact the world is seriously short of willing people, but be warned: "i hope you've got your things together, I hope you're quite prepared to die."
  
  Finally, the chorus is about the people around you. Don't come around tonight because I'm going for it, and you dont want to be near me when that bad moon rises and I take it head on. Again, I know this is not the real inspiration, but that's the story I see play out in my mind when I hear this song.

  Flag SeanConUSAon February 02, 2011   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:I don't have definitive opinion on the meaning of this song. Obviously, bad moon rising is referring to the lunar phases, specifically a full moon (think about the meaning of word lunacy and its origins). "I hear rage and ruin" is referring to the hellacious sounds associated with a hurricane. If ever you've been through a hurricane, you know what I mean. Let's just say it's crazy loud with all the debris flying around outside. I think The lines:
  
  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
  
  is a reference to the racial injustice in South, specifically during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. I think the overall message to the song is pay attention to bad omens because these omens mean you're in for a rough time. Yes, I do believe Fogerty was inspired by the movie the Devil and Dan Walker, but the inspiration and meaning for this song are two entirely different matters. While I'm not 100% on what I think this song means (pretty sure it isn't about the Vietnam War, though), I love this song. Give Rasputina's version of Bad Moon Rising a listen; it's eerie and not upbeat like Creedence or Fogerty's perspective versions.

  Flag IroquoisPlissken86on October 22, 2010   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  My Opinion:I'd like to respond to CrappyBassist (above). That's so stupid, idiotic, ridiculous, and absurd, that it is IRONICALLY actually funny.
  
  NOT
  
  But in all truth and honesty, I love this song. . .one of CCR's all time best, if not THE all time best of theirs. I have no idea what its about. Sounds pretty scary. . .maybe it is supposed to be apocalyptic.. As a matter of fact, I think this has more likelihood of being Apocalyptic, whereas 'Run Through the Jungle', on the other hand, might have more significance to the Vietnam War.
  
  But I could be wrong though. . .

  Flag Louis126on June 13, 2010   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!