Creedence Clearwater Revival – ‘Bad Moon Rising’

There’s A Bad Moon On The Rise!

For a song written about the coming apocalypse, ‘Bad Moon Rising’ by Creedence Clearwater Revival makes us think more about a lazy afternoon by the river than gloom and doom!

It’s a huge testament to John Fogerty’s immense skills as a songwriter that he could make us forget about the song’s dark undertones, instead focusing on the happy melody and catchy lyrics.

Fogerty wrote ‘Bad Moon Rising’ after watching The Devil and Daniel Webster. Inspired by a scene in the film involving a hurricane, Fogerty claims the song is about “the apocalypse that was going to be visited upon us. (Phentermine) ”

‘Bad Moon Rising’ was written and released four months before CCR’s Green River was released, and managed to secure a #2 slot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts before there was an album to support it!

No wonder this song has become such a cultural staple, used in everything from movies to primetime television!

+ Bad Moon Rising lyrics +

I see the bad moon arising.
I see trouble on the way.
I see earthquakes and lightnin’.
I see those 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 blowing.
I know the end is coming soon.
I fear rivers over flowing.
I hear the voice of rage and ruin.

Well don’t go around tonight,
Well it’s bound to take your life,
There’s a bad moon on the rise.

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.