Proud Mary

Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty

About Proud Mary

"Proud Mary" is a rock 'n' roll song written by John Fogerty and first recorded by his band Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was released by Fantasy Records as a single from the band's second studio album, Bayou Country, which was issued by the same record company in January 1969. The single is generally considered to have been released in early January 1969, although at least one source states that it came out just before Christmas 1968. The song became a major hit in the United States, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1969, the first of five non-consecutive singles to peak at No. 2 for the group. It was the only song by CCR to be kept from the No. 1 spot by two songs, first unable to dethrone "Everyday People" by Sly and the Family Stone and then passed by "Dizzy" by Tommy Roe. 


Year:
2005
3:05
19,265 
#6

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Left a good job in the city,
Workin' for the man ev'ry night and day,
And I never lost one minute of sleepin',
Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been.

[Chorus]
Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.

Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis,
Pumped a lot of pain down in New Orleans,
But I never saw the good side of the city,
'Til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen.

[Chorus]

Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.

If you come down to the river,
Bet you gonna find some people who live.
You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money,
People on the river are happy to give.

[Chorus]

Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.

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Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival (sometimes shortened to Creedence or CCR) was an American rock band that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a number of successful singles drawn from various albums. more »

26 fans

Written by: John Cameron Fogerty

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Proud Mary" was written by John Fogerty, the lead vocalist and lead guitarist of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).
Date and Album Release
The song was first released by CCR in 1969 as the second single from their second studio album, "Bayou Country".
Chart Performance
"Proud Mary" peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it one of the band's biggest hits.
Song Inspiration
Fogerty wrote "Proud Mary" two days after he was discharged from the National Guard. The name Mary is said to be inspired by a maid in a TV commercial, and the reference to a river reflects his fascination with the Mississippi River.
Multi-Covered Song
"Proud Mary" is one of the most covered songs in rock and roll history, with notable versions by Ike and Tina Turner, Solomon Burke, and many others.
Recognition and Awards
The song was included in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. - "Proud Mary" was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Fogerty's Reaction to Cover Versions
Although many artists have covered "Proud Mary", John Fogerty has stated that the version by Ike and Tina Turner remains his favorite.
Meanings and Interpretation
"Proud Mary" has often been interpreted as a testament to the spirit of the working class. The song's lyrics tell a tale about living and working along a river, with the 'Proud Mary' thought to be a steamboat.
The Song’s Gender
The ship, 'Proud Mary', is referred to in the lyrics with female pronouns. Ships and boats are traditionally considered as female in many cultures, giving 'Proud Mary' a personality throughout the song.
Continued Popularity
Despite being over 50 years old, "Proud Mary" remains a popular song today, often appearing in TV shows, movies, and commercials, proving its timeless appeal.

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    Proud Mary

    8.1M
    42,542     2,209

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #2


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