Green River by John Fogerty (CCR)
While we are at it, another great piece of music from the 60s in Green River comes from John Fogerty and his band Creedence Clear Water Revival. So many highlights with this band and so many hits yet Green River is the song that has intrigued me for a long time.
Recorded in 1969, the track itself just seems to fit together perfectly. Its produced and played really well. The lyrics tell a story (the hallmark of good songwriting) and apparently relate to an old holiday destination and a brand of green soda that the kids drank at this time. The reference to flat car riders and cross tie walkers relates I think to vagrants and hobos travelling for free on the tops of trains. I particularly like the acoustic guitar mixed in with some bluesy electric playing and fills by John.
Check out Robert Fontenot’s synopsis of the band. What a prolific songwriter.
Lyrics below.
Green River, By John Fogerty
Well, take me back down where cool water flows, yeah.
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.
Wonder if my rope’s still hangin’ to the tree
Love to kick my feet ‘way down the shallow water.
Shoefly, dragonfly, get back t’your mother.
Pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River.Welllllll!
Up at Cody’s camp I spent my days, oh,
With flat car riders and cross-tie walkers.
Old Cody, Junior took me over,Said, “You’re gonna find the world is smould’rin’.
And if you get lost come on home to Green River.
“Welllllll!Come on home.
Check out also the original CCR version of Green River.
gazlington 