“Fortunate Son” is a protest song by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was released in 1969 as the B-side of the single “Down on the Corner.” Written by John Fogerty, the song criticizes the privilege and hypocrisy of wealthy young men who were able to avoid military service during the Vietnam War by taking advantage of their social and economic status.
The lyrics of “Fortunate Son” express disdain for those born into privilege (“It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no senator’s son!”) and highlight the disparity between the working-class individuals who were disproportionately drafted into the military and those who could avoid service through connections and wealth.
The song became an anthem for the anti-Vietnam War movement and is often regarded as one of the most powerful protest songs of its time.
Despite not reaching the same chart success as some of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s other hits, “Fortunate Son” has gained immense cultural significance. It has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials and continues to be associated with social and political protest movements. The song’s raw energy, combined with its powerful message, has cemented its place in the pantheon of protest songs and made it a timeless classic.
