Music surprising meaning of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Some bands do not need much time to make history. THE Creedence Clearwater Revival It was founded in 1959, but his record career was built only between 1968 and 1972, with seven albums in four years. To this day, more than half a century later, they are still spoken and celebrated.

One of the “culprits” so it is the song “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”maybe your biggest hit. Released on the album Pendulum (1970), music reached the top of the Canadian parade and the eighth position in the United States. It follows a huge success, as in 2023 surpassed the mark of one billion streams in Spotify.

The lyrics, signed by the vocalist and guitarist John Fogertyoffers multiple interpretations. It was the most literal, some understand that the composition discusses the decline of counterculture of the 1960s. However, the author ensures that his intention was only to reflect on tensions within Creedence Clearwater Revival, responsible for ending the group shortly after his brother’s departure, the guitarist, the guitarist. Tom Fogerty.

In an interview of 1993 to Rolling StoneJohn said:

“This song is actually about the imminent separation of Creedence. The image is: you can have a clear, beautiful and sunny day, but it may be raining at the same time.”

In another interview, American SongwriterFogerty mentioned that the specific verse “Have you ever seen the rain comin ‘down on a Sunny Day?” (“Have you ever seen the rain fall on a sunny day?”) makes direct reference to the feelings of discomfort and sadness of the band just at the height of their fame. The group had soon burst with its first, namesake album, 1968, and saw the popularity grow with the following work, when it comes to hits as “Proud Mary”, “Born on the Bayou”, “Bad Moon Rising”, “Down on the Corner”, “Fortunate Son”, “Up Around the Bend”among others – all in about two years.

Although it was Creedence’s creative mind, John feared separation. In an interview with Howard Stern, he reflected:

“It seemed that everything was disintegrating, in fact. The metaphor of seeing the rain fall in a clear and sunny day seemed to be what we were. Here we were, realizing all our dreams, all great. Instead of being happy, we seemed unhappy.”

Despite the “indirect”, the bandmates did not notice the theme. “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” It was normally played by Tom Fogertythe bassist STU COOK and the drummer Doug Clifford without noting: the lyrics dealt with them.

The end of Creedence Clearwater Revival

Dissatisfied with the creative control of John Fogerty, his brother, Tom, left Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971. The band continued as Trio and John, frustrated with the fights, proposed: From there, it would all become a democracy, with others also creatively contributing. The result was Mardi Gras (1972), album that is considered by many the worst of CCR.

Also with problems in the business, Creedence ended its activities that same year. Never returned. Tom died in 1990 at the age of 48 as a result of the HIV virus – allegedly contracted in a blood transfusion performed during a back surgery.

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