“Green River” is a standout track by Creedence Clearwater Revival, released in July 1969 as the lead single from their album of the same name. The song captures the essence of the band’s unique blend of country-rock and swampy psychedelia, despite their roots being in California, far from the southern bayous. At just over two minutes, the song is a rollicking example of their “swaggering swamp rock,” making it one of the defining tracks of their career.

While many listeners associate the song with the Louisiana bayou, John Fogerty revealed that the inspiration for “Green River” was actually drawn from his childhood in Winters, California. The song was loosely inspired by Putah Creek, which Fogerty affectionately dubbed “Green River” in his mind. The imagery in the song was shaped by his personal experiences, even though the setting may seem more fitting for the southern U.S. Fogerty also mentioned in a 1993 interview that the name “Green River” was inspired by a soda pop-syrup label he encountered.

Released just a month before the album Green River hit stores, the song peaked at No. 2 on the charts, just behind “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies. The track remains a classic example of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ability to merge traditional American roots music with a fresh rock sensibility, capturing the spirit of an era.

Lyrics

Well, take me back down where cool water flow, y’all
Let me remember things I love, Lord
Stoppin’ at the log where catfish bite
Walkin’ along the river road at night
Barefoot girls dancin’ in the moonlight

I can hear the bullfrog callin’ me, aw
Wonder if my rope’s still hangin’ to the tree, aw
Love to kick my feet way down the shallow water
Shoofly, dragonfly, get back to mother
Pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River
Well!

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Up at Cody’s camp I spent my days, Lord
With flat car riders and cross-tie walkers
Old Cody Junior took me over
Said, “You’re gonna find the world is smoulderin’
And if you get lost come on home to Green River.”

Well!
Come on home