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Bad Moon Rising
Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics


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I see the bad moon a-risin'
I see trouble on the way
I see earthquakes and lightnin'
I see bad times today

Don't go around tonight
Well it's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise

I hear hurricanes a-blowin'
I know the end is comin' soon
I fear rivers over flowin'
I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Don't go around tonight
Well it's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise, alright

Hope you got your things together
Hope you are quite prepared to die
Looks like we're in for nasty weather
One eye is taken for an eye

Well don't go around tonight
Well it's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise

Don't come around tonight
Well it's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise

Overall Meaning

Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising" lyrics describe a sense of unease and foreboding. The imagery in the song is of natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, which signal the coming of bad times. The tone of the song is ominous and dark, with the singer warning listeners not to go out because the bad moon will take their lives.


The song can be interpreted as a warning of the consequences of humanity's destruction of nature. If we continue to harm the environment, we will witness the terrible aftermath, as evidenced in the natural disasters that the lyrics describe. The "voice of rage and ruin" could also be a reference to people's anger and frustration at the state of the world.


The line "hope you are quite prepared to die" adds an even graver tone to the song, suggesting that the end is near and people should be ready for it. The repetition of the warning not to go out emphasizes the danger that the "bad moon" represents.


All in all, "Bad Moon Rising" is a powerful song that uses vivid language and palpable images to convey a sense of dread and urgency.


Line by Line Meaning

I see the bad moon a-risin'
I see darkness, despair and misfortune on the horizon


I see trouble on the way
I see imminent danger and difficulty approaching


I see earthquakes and lightnin'
I see natural disasters and destructive forces at play


I see bad times today
I see a grim, unpleasant present and future


Don't go around tonight
Stay inside and avoid venturing outside during the ominous time


Well it's bound to take your life
It is quite likely that you will suffer fatal consequences


There's a bad moon on the rise
The ominous moon symbolizes and foretells of impending doom


I hear hurricanes a-blowin'
I hear violent winds and storms approaching


I know the end is comin' soon
I am convinced the world is approaching its end soon


I fear rivers over flowin'
I am afraid of rivers overflowing and causing widespread destruction


I hear the voice of rage and ruin
I hear the sound of fury and the destruction it is causing


Hope you got your things together
I hope you have organized and prepared yourself for what is to come


Hope you are quite prepared to die
I hope you have made your peace with your fate and are ready for the end


Looks like we're in for nasty weather
It appears that a terrible storm is approaching


One eye is taken for an eye
Revenge is sought for past wrongs, resulting in further violence and destruction


Don't come around tonight
It is strongly advised that you avoid coming out during this ominous time




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John C. Fogerty

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@joholland1892

I'm 84 but when I play Bad Moon I start dancing in spite of knee pain, arthritis and back pain! I feel 18 again.

@heatherlamb5534

Hello Jo, im 63 and I love bopping to it and I have Arthritus in my knee, a good song. I was 9 when I heard it at the disco

@chrisotto5908

me too and i'm 83

@HeleentheArcane

I'm 15 and I have just discovered this song. This is such a great song!

@twoseriousdogs6762

Half your age and would love to dance with you to this song....

@juliankern4867

Proof this music really does span generations. I'm 18 and feel well, 18 dancing to these amazing men. Hats off to you sir

154 More Replies...

@andreamifsud9249

My beautiful dad was a Vietnam veteran and absolutely loved this song. We played it at his funeral and I’m sure he was having a boogie to it watching down proud that we incorporated it on his send off ❤️

@hilo6755

A true Democratic 😊

@linneys8246

GOD BLESS ❤❤

@CrossOfBayonne

Upmost respect

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