About the song
“Bad Moon Rising” is a quintessential track by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), written by John Fogerty and released as the lead single from their 1969 album *Green River*. The song made its debut on April 16, 1969, four months prior to the album’s release. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on June 28, 1969, and enjoyed a notable run at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in September of the same year. This success marked it as CCR’s second gold single and solidified its place in the pantheon of rock classics.
The song’s appeal extends beyond its commercial success, having been covered by over 20 different artists across various genres, from folk to reggae to psychedelic rock. Its enduring influence was recognized in 2010 when Rolling Stone ranked it No. 364 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list. Despite its high chart positions, “Bad Moon Rising” is one of five CCR songs that peaked at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard chart, falling short of the top spot due to competition from Henry Mancini’s “Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet.”
The composition of “Bad Moon Rising” is marked by its vivid weather imagery, which metaphorically suggests impending doom. John Fogerty reportedly drew inspiration from the 1941 film *The Devil and Daniel Webster*, specifically a scene where a hurricane ravages farms, symbolizing a catastrophic fate. The contrast between the song’s ominous lyrics and its upbeat, catchy melody created a unique dichotomy that Fogerty noted while the band was learning the song.
Reception of the song was enthusiastic. Billboard praised it for being “loaded with rhythm and drive,” while Cash Box described it as a “blazing bayou-rock outing,” even ranking it as the No. 51 single of 1969. Critic Cliff M. Junior of Ultimate Classic Rock highlighted the song’s ability to capture and provoke thought about personal troubles in just over two minutes.
“Bad Moon Rising” has permeated popular culture in numerous ways. It features in various media, including a memorable scene in the 1981 film *An American Werewolf in London*, where it plays as a character transforms into a werewolf. The song has also been featured in advertisements and media such as the *Plants vs. Zombies* video game franchise and a 2023 Toyota commercial. Additionally, in 2013, John Fogerty re-recorded the song for his album *Wrote a Song for Everyone*, featuring the Zac Brown Band, further testament to its lasting legacy.
Overall, “Bad Moon Rising” stands as a testament to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s knack for blending compelling storytelling with irresistible musical hooks, making it an enduring piece of rock history.
Video
Lyrics
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