- Home
- Encyclopedia
- SongBase
Proud Mary
Words & Music: John Fogerty
Left a good job in the city
Workin' for the man every night and day
Haven't ever lost one minute of sleeping
Worried about the way things might have been
Been a lot of places down in Memphis
I umped a lot of babes down in New Orleans
Had a lot of shots at good times in the city
Till I hitched a ride on a river bout queen
A big wheel keeps on turnin'
Proud Mary keeps on burnin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin' on a river
Rollin, rollin, rollin on a river
If you come down to the river
I betcha you're gonna find some people who live
You don't have to worry
'Cause you have no money
People along the river are happy to give
I said a big wheel keeps on turnin'
Proud Mary keeps on burnin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin' on a river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
Recorded: 1970/02/16, first released on On Stage
Reactions
I love all three versions of this John Fogerty classic!
John Fogerty is a great rock and roll singer with one of the most distinct voices of all time. The rasp is just fine and it works on his material giving him a somewhat blues edge but on his classic Proud Mary, he sings it straight, almost Sun-like, rockabillyish. That's the way Elvis should have done it, but he added those Vegas horns and actually shouts in parts and the song loses its roots and soul. If I had to choose, the MSG version is better than On Stage, but its CCR all the way on this one.
I think he did fantastic! I love Tina Turner's version... although its a little slow for me. Elvis knew how to make this an upbeat and energetic song! Enjoy it every time!!
There is nothing limp in any of Elvis' performances of this song. I prefer the Madison Square Garden renditions to the "On Stage" version but I like them all. The song itself is not one of my favorites (lyrically) and I really never cared for CCR (Fogerty's voice to me is so raspy, it is unenjoyable to listen to) or Tina Turner. Good song for a live show, but I am glad Elvis never did a studio recording of it. 3.5 stars.
Yes CCR has the ultimate version but studio versions usually have the edge. Fogerty had a somewhat limited vocal range but his rasping vocal suits this song perfectly while Elvis's is slightly tame and too refined in comparison. I think however, that the song gains immeasurably when you see Elvis perform it on stage - 3 1/2 stars on record - 4 stars with film.
No sorry, a limp version of the CCR hit.It's interesting that CCR 's version of My Baby Left Me was really outstanding
This is such a spectacular, catchy, exciting, groovy, iconic, unique and electrifying song and I've never liked Elvis' renditions of it from 1970. I absolutely love all of Elvis' renditions of it from 1972 and 1974.
It's strange that on the On stage version he omits the Memphis verse. In New York he do sings it. It's equal to the Creedence version, 'cause the song isn't their best.
Wow Elvis really rocked this tune the 72 versions are nothing short of outstanding turn this one up loud and feel the power. Together with the backing of JD and the stamps unbeatable!!!
This song is certainly no let down for me, i always loved Elvis's version not rushed, i love it and i know Elvis loved the CCR version too, because he loved CCR that's why Elvis did love to sing this song
CCR is the ultimate. I, too, first heard Elvis' version from the "On Stage" album and really liked it even if there was a verse missing. There's nothing that says a singer must sing a song exactly as the original. BUT, Elvis improved his version with the MSG arrangement. Love that extended ending.
When I first bought the On Stage LP, I was so excited to see Proud Mary. One of my favorite songs. I was so very dissapointed upon playing the King"s version. It was rushed & even some of the lyrics were omitted. I still cringe this day upon hearing it. I love the CCR version. The Ike/Tina version is also good. Elvis really missed the boat with this one.
I agree that the original from CCR is the best version. Elvis's best one is at MSG !
Knowing the original first I was positively stunned to hear Elvis' version. Even my brother, who was very much in 'present day music' liked this version as much as the original! To me the fact of it being live gave it that special Elvis touch I'm so enchanted with.
When I first saw this listed on the 1970 On Stage album, I was very excited as it was one of my favorite songs. When I heard it , I was very letdown. It was very Vegas, performed much too fast, one set of lyrics was missing and that great Fogerty guitar break was missing. I think Elvis improved it with the On Tour version, but CCR's is the ultimate version.
great rock songs. as well as from our man as from CCR as from Ike and Tina Turner.
A great song for Elvis. People is always saying that he lost his interest for rock songs during this time. Well, this one shows that he didn´t. He sang it with passion and energy. The on tour version is the best. The San Antonio show has not got the credit that it deserves. It is just as good as the phenomenal Hampton Roads show
Not for me! I'll stick with the CCR original.
Available Alternate Versions