Fortunate Son

Song meaning of Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival

According to the song's author, John Fogerty, "speaks more to the unfairness of class than war itself," and how the children of the wealthy are able to avoid the draft.

The song was released during the height of American involvement in the Vietnam War, but it is not specifically critical of that conflict. "It's the old saying about rich men making war and poor men having to fight them."

Fortunate Son lyrics by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Some folks are born made to wave the flag

Ooh, they're red, white and blue

And when the band plays "Hail To The Chief"

Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, son

It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, no

Some folks are born silver spoon in hand

Lord, don't they help themselves, oh

But when the taxman come to the door

Lord, the house lookin' like a rummage sale, yeah

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no millionaire's son, no, no

It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, no

Yeah!

Some folks inherit star-spangled eyes

Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord

And when you ask 'em, "How much should we give?"

Ooh, they only answer, "More! More! More!" Yo

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no military son, son

It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, one

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no no no

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate son, no no no

It ain't me, it ain't me