Creedence Clearwater Revival – Green River – 1969

About The Song

“Green River” is a classic rock song by the American band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), released in 1969 as the title track of their third studio album. Known for its swamp rock sound and evocative lyrics, the song is a notable example of CCR’s ability to blend rock, country, and blues influences.

Five facts about Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Green River”:

1. Swamp Rock Vibe: “Green River” is characterized by its swamp rock style, a sound that CCR became known for. The band, led by John Fogerty, drew inspiration from the bayou and Louisiana swamp music, infusing their own brand of rock with these rootsy elements.
2. Fogerty’s Songwriting: The song’s lyrics were written by John Fogerty, the primary songwriter for CCR. Fogerty’s evocative storytelling in “Green River” captures a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time and place, reflecting on his experiences growing up in California.
3. Success on the Charts: “Green River” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the United States. It solidified CCR’s status as one of the leading rock bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
4. Album Cover Controversy: The album cover for “Green River” depicts a rural scene with the band members in the water. It initially faced controversy due to the absence of drummer Doug Clifford, who had been inadvertently cropped out of the photograph, leading to speculation about his departure from the band.
5. Influence on Later Bands: The swamp rock sound of “Green River” has influenced numerous bands and musicians. Its combination of rock, blues, and country elements has been cited as a precursor to the Southern rock genre. The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its continued use in various forms of media and its inclusion in retrospectives of classic rock.

Video

Lyrics

Well, take me back down where cool water flows, y’all
Oh, let me remember things I love
Stoppin’ at the log where catfish bite
Walkin’ along the river road at night
Barefoot girls dancin’ in the moonlight

I can hear the bullfrog callin’ me, oh
Wonder if my rope’s still hangin’ to the tree
Love to kick my feet way down the shallow water
Shoo fly, dragon fly, get back to your mother
Pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River
Well

Up at Cody’s camp I spent my days, Lord
With flat car riders and cross-tie walkers
Old Cody Junior took me over
Said, “You’re gonna find the world is smoldering
And if you get lost, come on home to Green River”
Well
Come on home