Fortunate Son
Fortunate Son: Unveiling the Anthem of Discontent in John Fogerty's Powerful Lyrics
Lyrics
Some folks are born
Commentary on the birth inequalities among individuals.
Made to wave the flag,
Reference to those born with a natural inclination to support the country.
Oh, they're red, whit and blue.
Describing patriotic colors - red, white, and blue.
And when the band plays "Hail to the chief",
Symbolizing allegiance with the playing of "Hail to the chief" music.
They point the cannon right at you.
Highlighting the potential consequences of blind allegiance, possibly involving war.
It ain't me,
Emphasizing the singer's disassociation from privilege and political influence.
It ain't me.
-I ain't no senator's son.
-It ain't me,
-It ain't me.
-I ain't no fortunate one.
-Some folks are born
Addressing individuals born into wealth.
Silver spoon in hand,
Describing the fortunate position of having a wealthy upbringing.
Lord don't they help themselves.
Commenting on the self-serving nature of some privileged individuals.
But when the tax man comes to the door,
Depicting the negative consequences of wealth, particularly when facing taxation.
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale.
-It ain't me,
Reiterating the singer's lack of privilege and financial fortune.
It ain't me.
-I ain't no millionaire's son.
-It ain't me,
-It ain't me.
-I ain't no fortunate one.
-Some folks inherit
Referring to those inheriting a patriotic or nationalistic mindset.
Star spangled eyes,
Describing a fervent loyalty to the country symbolized by "Star-spangled eyes."
Ooh, they send you down to war.
Connecting this loyalty to the willingness to go to war.
And when you ask them,
Criticizing the greediness of those in power who demand more sacrifice without limits.
"How much should we give?"
-They only answer "More! More! More!"
-It ain't me,
Expressing the singer's non-affiliation with the military and lack of fortune.
It ain't me.
-I ain't no military son.
-It ain't me,
-It ain't me.
-I ain't no fortunate one.
-It ain't me,
Reiteration of the singer's disavowal of being a "Fortunate Son."
It ain't me.
-I ain't no Fortunate Son.
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