Fortunate Son - John Fogerty Cover (with lyrics)

"Fortunate Son" was written by John Fogerty and released by Creedence Clearwater Revival in November 1969.

Taking aim particularly at the unpopular concept of conscription and the “irregularities” of its application, it soon became an anthem of the anti-war movement, expressing opposition to external involvement in the Vietnam War, but encouraging solidarity with the soldiers fighting it.

As a junior officer in the Australian Army during those late sixties, I was a keen student of all the political, military, and humanitarian aspects of the Vietnam conflict.

Personally, I don’t see any sense in waging war, so there were many aspects of our involvement which I certainly didn’t feel comfortable with.

But, I was close to it - part of the “script” - and so remain vehemently unwilling to be loosely branded with the lesser-informed, street-marching, placard-carrying anti-war protester brigade.

Because one thing is for sure … I am absolutely supportive of my fellow servicemen and women who were (voluntarily or not) involved – and who had to suffer the deplorable indignity of a hostile reception from the uninformed and misinformed public on their return.

This disgraceful show of mass ignorance made it a sad period in our history; the only good thing coming out of it was some wonderful music like this gem from John Fogerty.

This cover is a very rough old take of a family jam session - with (my “Fortunate Son”) Colin providing the supporting guitar work to prop up my tired old vocals. I hope you enjoy it!