Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Myths Surrounding Vietnam War Songs

When considering the connection between any rock band and the Vietnam War, Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) is often mentioned due to their anti-war song, ldquo;Fortunate Son.rdquo; However, this connection is often overstated, and many other bands might have a more substantial soundtrack connecting to the war. For instance, Jimi Hendrix is frequently regarded as the most synonymous with the Vietnam War, largely due to his iconic performance of ldquo;The Star-Spangled Banner,rdquo; a song that has become deeply associated with that period.

Anti-War Sentiment in Rock Music

Rock music, in general, had a significant presence during the Vietnam War era, reflecting the sentiments of the time. Many bands wrote songs that expressed anti-war and anti-establishment sentiments. For example, The Doorsrsquo; ldquo;The Endrdquo; was a popular song among GIs, as were Jimi Hendrixrsquo;s ldquo;Star-Spangled Banner.rdquo; The lyrics of ldquo;The Endrdquo; and ldquo;Fortunate Sonrdquo; resonate deeply with those who opposed the war, questioning the privilege and the way the system worked.

The Reality of the Vietnam War Draft

The draft during the Vietnam War era was starkly different from public perception. While some privileged sons avoided service by getting college deferments, draft deferments through political connections, or paying for medical exemptions to induce bone spurs, the reality was that most young men, especially those from the working and middle classes, were compelled to serve. Only a small percentage of Baby Boomers, like the author, served in the war, highlighting the stark contrast between the experience of those from affluent backgrounds and the average GI.

Analysis of ldquo;Fortunate Sonrdquo;

Some folks are born made to wave the flag

Yes, these are the ones who received their fair share. Born into privilege, they were expected to contribute to the nation in the form of service, symbolized by waving the U.S. flag.

Some folks are born silver spoon in hand

These are the privileged who had everything handed to them. They were born into wealth or had access through political connections, and as such, they never had to face the harsh realities of the draft.

But when the taxman comes to the door, Lord the house looks like a rummage sale yes

Here, the lyrics reveal the stark reality faced by the privileged. While they enjoy affluent lifestyles, their houses are often stripped to the bare bones, symbolizing the eventual downfall of these individuals when they contribute to the war effort.

It aint me it aint me I aint no millionaires son non, It aint me it aint me I aint no fortunate one no

The song emphasizes that those who avoid service are not the privileged but the common men who lived ordinary lives. These individuals, the ldquo;fortunate sons,rdquo; are those who are actually affected by the war, but they do not possess the privilege of avoiding it.

Some folks inherit star spangled eyes

These are the sons of military leaders or political elites who are expected to follow in their fathersrsquo; footsteps, serving in the military as a hereditary duty.

Ooh they send you down to war Lord, And when you ask them

The song criticizes the system, questioning why those who are sent to war are not the ones who have the power and privilege. It challenges the fairness and morality of the draft system, emphasizing the apathy and detachment of the privileged from the realities of war.

The True Heroes Amongst the GIs

Lewis Puller, the son of General ldquo;Chestyrdquo; Puller, a decorated war hero, provides a poignant example of the warrsquo;s impact. Despite his privileged background, he served in Vietnam, where he was severely injured in a mine explosion. He became a strong voice for veterans and later committed suicide, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice and struggle. This case illustrates that while some privileged sons avoided the draft, many others served and faced the same brutal realities as the average GI.

In conclusion, the connection between Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Vietnam War, as represented by the song ldquo;Fortunate Son,rdquo; is just one small part of a larger narrative. Rock music, in general, reflected the sentiments of the era, and many other bands and songs hold greater significance in understanding the impact of the Vietnam War on American society.

Keywords: Creedence Clearwater Revival, Vietnam War, Fortune Son