These members played together since 1959, first as The Blue Velvets, then as The Golliwogs. Their musical style encompassed the roots rock, swamp rock, and blues rock genres. They played in a Southern rock style, despite their San Francisco Bay Area origin, with lyrics about bayous, catfish, the Mississippi River, and other popular elements of Southern United States iconography, as well as political and socially conscious lyrics about topics including the Vietnam War. The band performed at the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Upstate New York.
The group disbanded acrimoniously in late 1972 after four years of chart-topping success. Tom Fogerty had officially left the previous year, and his brother John was at odds with the remaining members over matters of business and artistic control, all of which resulted in subsequent lawsuits among the former bandmates. Fogerty's ongoing disagreements with Fantasy Records owner Saul Zaentz created further protracted court battles, and John Fogerty refused to perform with the two other surviving members at CCR's 1993 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Creedence Clearwater Revival's music is still a staple of US radio airplay; the band has sold 26 million albums in the United States alone. Rolling Stone ranked them 82nd on its Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list.
John Fogerty, Doug Clifford, and Stu Cook met at Portola Junior High School in El Cerrito, California. Calling themselves the Blue Velvets, the trio began playing instrumentals and "juke box standards", as well as backing Fogerty's older brother Tom at live gigs and in the recording studio. Tom soon joined the band, and in 1964 they signed with Fantasy Records, an independent jazz label in San Francisco that had released Cast Your Fate To The Wind, a national hit for jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. The record's success was the subject of a National Educational Television special, which prompted budding songwriter John Fogerty to contact the label. For the band's first release, Fantasy co-owner Max Weiss renamed the group the Golliwogs (after the children's literary character, Golliwogg).
Bandmembers' roles and the instruments they played changed during this period. Stu Cook switched from piano to bass guitar and Tom Fogerty from lead vocals to rhythm guitar; John became the band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter. In Tom Fogerty's words: "I could sing, but John had a sound!".
Born To Move
Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the music's loud I can't get enough.
Singin' hi, singin' hi,
Come on feet, teach yourself to move.
People shuff'lin' up and down again.
Unhappy faces ain't gonna get you in.
Singin' hi, singin' hi,
Hey, hey! hey, all right!
Spread the news, we're goin' have some fun.
Let it go, movin' son-of-a-gun.
Singin' hi, signin' hi,
Come on feet, we was born to move.
Hey, hey, lord! come on, move it, now boy!
The lyrics to Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Born To Move" are an ode to the power of music and movement. The song is a call to action, urging people to recognize their innate desire to move and to let go of their inhibitions. The repeated refrain of "singin' hi, singin' hi" and "come on feet, teach yourself to move" creates a sense of urgency that is reinforced by the upbeat tempo and driving rhythm of the music.
The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer proclaiming that he is going to "strut that stuff" and that he can't get enough of the music. The second verse speaks to the idea that unhappy faces and shuffling feet won't get you far in life, and encourages people to teach themselves to move. The bridge of the song includes the iconic line "spread the news, we're gonna have some fun" and calls on everyone to let go and embrace the joy of movement.
Overall, "Born To Move" is a powerful celebration of the human spirit and the transformative power of music and dance.
Line by Line Meaning
Ev'ry day I'm gonna strut that stuff.
I will confidently showcase myself every single day.
When the music's loud I can't get enough.
I crave loud music, and it energizes me.
Singin' hi, singin' hi,
I am expressing my excitement and joy.
Come on feet, teach yourself to move.
I am motivating myself and my feet to keep moving and learn to dance.
People shuff'lin' up and down again.
Other people appear bored and stagnant, going through the same motions repeatedly.
Unhappy faces ain't gonna get you in.
Being miserable and negative will not bring happiness.
Singin' hi, singin' hi,
I am still expressing excitement and optimism.
Come on people, teach yourself to move.
I encourage others to join me and learn how to move and dance.
Hey, hey! hey, all right!
I am celebrating and feeling good.
Spread the news, we're goin' have some fun.
I want everyone to know that we are going to have a good time.
Let it go, movin' son-of-a-gun.
Let loose and keep moving, even if others underestimate you.
Singin' hi, signin' hi,
Still excited and joyful.
Come on feet, we was born to move.
I remind myself that dancing and moving is a natural and enjoyable part of life.
Hey, hey, lord! come on, move it, now boy!
I address a higher power, asking for the energy and rhythm to keep going.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JOHN CAMERON FOGERTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@royknowlton2947
John is one hell of an organ player. The groove this song has is great!!! This one and Feeling Blue probably the most overlooked CCR songs.
@reesecolbo3442
John hugely influenced by BOOKER T. JONES
@rachaeldistler983
When I was a little girl my dad used to play this song and we would run around the living room dancing. It will always be one of my fondest memories. My father committed suicide a week ago and I'm a distraught mess. Music is the only thing I find comfort in anymore. R.I.P. Dad 10/24/17
@JohnCee754
Deepest sympathies for your loss. Cherish the music and the happy memories of your dad -- the best way to honour him.
@alanlinnebur3139
Rachael, my heart breaks for you, and I'm praying God has brought you comfort.
@davidarchibald3755
My sincere condolences
@gregoryfurtek5445
Sorry for your loss dear....I played bass in a CCR tribute band for 10 years called Cosmos Factory...he would of enjoyed that I'm sure. God Bless you.
@leepfeifer77
We love you
@ghostofblues
A true masterpiece, the organ part along with the bass !.... feels so good...
@sergiomaulini9896
the right word MASTERPIECE