About the song
“Proud Mary” is a timeless classic that has been captivating audiences for decades. Written by John Fogerty, the song was originally recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969. However, it was Tina Turner’s 1971 cover that catapulted the song to international stardom, cementing its place as one of the most iconic and enduring rock ‘n’ roll anthems of all time.
Tina Turner’s powerful, raspy vocals and energetic stage presence brought a new level of excitement and passion to the song, transforming it into a signature hit that has become synonymous with her legendary career. With its driving beat, soaring guitar riffs, and unforgettable chorus, “Proud Mary” is a masterclass in rock music, showcasing Turner’s incredible range and emotional depth.
The song’s lyrics, penned by John Fogerty, tell the story of a riverboat captain named Proud Mary, who is leaving her life on the Mississippi River behind to start anew. The song’s themes of freedom, adventure, and the pursuit of happiness resonate deeply with listeners, making it a universal anthem that transcends generations and genres.
Throughout her illustrious career, Tina Turner has been known for her incredible vocal range, captivating stage presence, and unwavering dedication to her craft. “Proud Mary” is a testament to her enduring talent and influence, and its continued popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal.
In this essay, we will delve deeper into the history and significance of “Proud Mary,” exploring its cultural impact, musical innovations, and enduring legacy. We will also examine the song’s enduring appeal, analyzing its themes, lyrics, and musical composition to understand what makes it such an iconic and beloved classic.
Video
Lyrics
You know
Every now and then I think you might like to hear something from us
(Left a good job down in the city)
Nice and easy
But there’s just one thing, you see (workin’ for the man every night and day)
We never ever do nothin’
(But I never lost one minute of sleepin’) nice and easy
We always do it nice and rough
(Worryin’ ’bout the way that things might’ve been)
And we’re gonna take the beginning of this song and do it easy
(Big wheel keep on turnin’)
But then we’re gonna do the finish rough
(Proud Mary keep on burnin’) this is the way we do “Proud Mary”
And we rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’ on the river
Listen to the story now
Left a good job down in the city
Workin’ for the man every night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin’
I was worryin’ ’bout the way that things might’ve been
Big wheel keep on turnin’
Ooh, the Proud Mary keep on burnin’
And we’re rollin’ (rollin’), rollin’, yeah (rollin’)
Rollin’ on the river (rollin’ on the river)
Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis
And I pumped a lot of ‘tane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
Until I hitched a ride on the riverboat queen
You know the big wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
And we’re rollin’ (rollin’), rollin’, yeah (rollin’)
Rollin’ on the river (rollin’ on the river)
Say we’re rollin’ (rollin’), rollin’ (rollin’)
Rollin’ on the river (rollin’ on the river)
Oh, I left a good job in the city
Workin’ for the man every night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin’
Worryin’ ’bout the way things might have been
Big wheel keep on turnin’ (turnin’)
Proud Mary keep on burnin’ (burnin’)
Rollin’ (yeah), rollin’ (alright)
Rollin’ on the river (go ‘head now)
Rollin’ (oh), say we’re rollin’ (yeah)
Rollin’ on the river
We’re up, do do do do do do do do do do do
Alright
Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, y’all
Pumped a lot of ‘tane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
‘Til I hitched a ride on the riverboat queen
Big wheel keep on turnin’ (turnin’)
Proud Mary keep on burnin’ (burnin’)
Rollin’ (oh), rollin’ (yeah)
Rollin’ on the river (go ‘head now)
Say we’re rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’ on the river
We’re up, do do do do do do do do do do do
Alright
Yeah
Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Alright, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ooh yeah, yeah
If you come down to the river
Now, I bet you gonna find some people who live
You don’t have to worry if you got no money
The people on the river are happy to give
Big wheel keep on turnin’ (turnin’)
Proud Mary keep on burnin’ (burnin’)
Rollin’ (yeah), say we rollin’ (yeah)
Rollin’ on the river (alright now)
Rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’ on the river
We’re up, do do do do do do do do do do do
Woo
Alright
Woo, alright, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Rollin’, alright
Alright now, yeah
Rollin’ (yeah), rollin’ (uh-huh)
Rollin’ on the river (give me one more time)
Rollin’ (yeah), rollin’ (woo-wee)
Rollin’ on the river
Rollin’ (ow), rollin’ (yeah)
Rollin’ on the river
Rollin’ (yeah), rollin’