Proud Mary
Elvis Presley Lyrics


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Left a good job in the city
Workin' for the man every night and day
Haven't ever lost one minute of sleepin'
Worried about the way things might have been

A big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river

If you come down to the river
Betcha you're gonna find some people who live
You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money
People on the river are happy to give

I said, a big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river

If you come down to the river
I betcha you're gonna find some people who live
You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money
People on the river are happy to give

I said, a big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'




Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river

Overall Meaning

The first few lines of Elvis Presley's song "Proud Mary" tell the story of a person who had a good job in the city. This person worked every night and day for "the man" but had never lost any sleep or worried about how things might have been. This could speak to someone who is content with their work and doesn't dwell on what-ifs. Then, the lyrics mention a "big wheel" that keeps on turning, which can be interpreted as time, as things keep moving forward even when we stay stagnant. The chorus, "Proud Mary keep on burnin' / Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river," can have multiple meanings. The river could symbolize life, and the Proud Mary could represent the passage of time, moving forward despite any obstacles in our paths.


The second verse speaks about people who live by the river, who are willing to help and give to those in need, regardless of whether or not they have money. This could represent the kindness of strangers and the beauty of the human spirit. The chorus repeats itself, emphasizing the idea of time passing and things moving forward, no matter what happens.


Overall, "Proud Mary" can be interpreted in many ways, but it inspires listeners to keep going and keep moving forward, despite any challenges that may arise.


Line by Line Meaning

Left a good job in the city
Elvis left a stable and high paying job in the city to pursue his dreams in the music industry


Workin' for the man every night and day
Elvis was working tirelessly for his boss every day and night, with little satisfaction and recognition for his work


Haven't ever lost one minute of sleepin'
Despite the risks and uncertainties, Elvis was not afraid of pursuing his dreams and was entirely confident in his decision


Worried about the way things might have been
Elvis did not want to have any regrets in the future, and was concerned about the possibility of 'what if' he had not pursued his dreams


A big wheel keep on turnin'
The world keeps turning and changing, regardless of individual struggles and aspirations


Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Continuing to persevere through challenges and obstacles, even though it's tough to do so


Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
Imagery of the constant flow of time, and how it is always moving forward and never stops


If you come down to the river
If one takes a journey or seeks new experiences, they may find themselves in a different place in life


Betcha you're gonna find some people who live
There are always people around who are content with their lives and find happiness in their current circumstances


You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money
Living a happy and fulfilled life does not always depend on financial success or material possessions


People on the river are happy to give
There are always kind and generous people in life who are willing to lend a helping hand or offer support when needed




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

krystyna gorazdowska

Widać że Elvis kocha to co robi, śpiewa cały sobą, robi to z oddaniem , przezywa bardzo każda piosenkę, KING!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Zofia Smajek

Tak,Krystyna To prawda!

krystyna gorazdowska

@Zofia Smajek Elvis wszystko co robił, za co się wziął, musiał robic najlepiej, był perfekcjonista

ROCKINGMAN

Never a dull moment with Elvis. I would imagine he respected everyone who helped him make it all work, the roadies, the promoters, musicians, managers, his entourage and his fans. But, we all depended on him to give us this excitement, the man and his music, what a guy, what a performer! Elvis - probably the most dynamic singer of all time......

Flight of the Bumblebee

Elvis was a huge fan of James Dean, the Righteous Brothers, and Credence Clearwater Revival. Elvis was humble and a truly awesome human being.

Tony Suvega

HE WAS INDEED😊😅 1:01

Mark Salmon

Elvis and everyone with him nailing it 🖤

FRANCISCO FERREIRA

ELVIS PRESLEY FOREVER
SENSACIONAL
FANTÁSTICO
MARAVILHOSO
👏👏👏

Troy Pankow

He always sings the cover better than the original artist makes it his own.

Kevin Judy

CEPT FOR BLUEBERRY HILL 😮

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