Creedence Clearwater Revival's Apocalyptic Hit 'Bad Moon Rising' Turns 57

The song's ominous lyrics were inspired by John Fogerty's favorite black and white film.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the worn, textured wooden body and metallic hardware of a vintage electric guitar, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a moody, glamorous aesthetic.The vintage Les Paul guitar that inspired John Fogerty's lifelong love of the instrument became an integral part of Creedence Clearwater Revival's iconic sound.Oakland Today

Creedence Clearwater Revival's iconic single 'Bad Moon Rising' was released 57 years ago today. The song's apocalyptic lyrics were inspired by frontman John Fogerty's childhood memory of watching the 1941 film 'The Devil and Daniel Webster'. Just days before recording the track, Fogerty experienced his own real-life drama when his car was broken into and his guitar was stolen, leading him to purchase a new Les Paul that would become his lifelong favorite.

Why it matters

As one of Creedence Clearwater Revival's most enduring and well-known songs, 'Bad Moon Rising' cemented the band's status as one of the most influential American rock groups of the late 1960s. The song's dark, foreboding themes and Fogerty's inspired songwriting have made it a staple of classic rock radio for decades.

The details

Creedence Clearwater Revival released 'Bad Moon Rising' on April 16, 1969 as the lead single from their third studio album 'Green River'. The deceptively upbeat tune employed ominous weather imagery to hint at the 'trouble on the way' described in the lyrics. Fogerty drew inspiration for the song from the 1941 film 'The Devil and Daniel Webster', which he had watched as a child and featured a protagonist who strikes a deal with the devil. Just days before the band was set to record 'Bad Moon Rising', Fogerty experienced his own real-life drama when his car was broken into and his guitar was stolen, leading him to purchase a new Les Paul that would become his lifelong favorite.

  • Creedence Clearwater Revival released 'Bad Moon Rising' on April 16, 1969.
  • The song was the lead single from the band's third studio album 'Green River'.
  • Fogerty was inspired by the 1941 film 'The Devil and Daniel Webster', which he had watched as a child.

The players

Creedence Clearwater Revival

An American rock band formed in the late 1960s, known for their swamp rock sound and hits like 'Proud Mary' and 'Bad Moon Rising'.

John Fogerty

The lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of Creedence Clearwater Revival, who wrote the band's iconic song 'Bad Moon Rising'.

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What they’re saying

“I was desperately worried we were about to fall flat on our faces. In those days, you put out singles every few weeks, so when 'Proud Mary' was on the radio I knew we had to write the next one.”

— John Fogerty, Frontman, Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Well, it was magical—epical, really. Made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. My eyes got real big. I looked at the man and I said, 'I'll take it'… So anyway, that little event in a music store in Albany set me off on a lifelong love of Les Paul guitars.”

— John Fogerty, Frontman, Creedence Clearwater Revival

What’s next

Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Bad Moon Rising' will continue to be a staple of classic rock radio and playlists, as the band's enduring popularity and the song's iconic status show no signs of waning.

The takeaway

Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Bad Moon Rising' remains one of the most recognizable and influential rock songs of the 1960s, with its ominous lyrics and Fogerty's inspired songwriting capturing the anxieties of the era and cementing the band's legacy as one of the greatest American rock groups of all time.