Origin: Who'll Stop The Rain (John Fogerty)

Subject: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: Mooh
Date: 08 Dec 00 - 12:16 PM

Every now and then I get ambitious to add songs to my repertoire. I haven't played Who'll Stop The Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival in years and I thought I'd revive it. However, some of the lyrical references are too obscure for me, for example "caught up in the fable, I watched the tower grow. Five year plans and new deals, wrapped in golden chains...". Are these historical references or personal experiences of the writer or something else?

As always, thanks and appreciation to those who help.

Peace. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: Gary T
Date: 08 Dec 00 - 01:56 PM

Hmmm. I don't know the rest of the lyrics to put those lines in context. I associate five-year plans with the U.S.S.R.'s attempts to modernize and industrialize, mainly in the 50's and 60's (?). I'm don't know whether or not other nations used the term or the concept. The New Deal, as I understand it, was the package of reforms, programs, etc. spearheaded by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to help bring the nation out of and mitigate the effects of the Great Depression.

As to just what the lyricist had in mind, or what those phrases refer to if not what I mentioned above, I haven't a clue.

Subject: RE: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: NightWing
Date: 08 Dec 00 - 02:18 PM

... And I would hazard a guess at "caught up in the fable, I watched the tower grow" referring to Kennedy's "Camelot". Which would make the whole line perhaps be a reference to politicians' promises? *shrug* Without more context, it's hard to say.

BB,
NightWing

Subject: RE: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Dec 00 - 02:20 PM

I'm reading into the song, but there's a lot of room for that. To me, it's about the goverment's secrets, power, and lying to people. It was written during the VietNam war, I believe.

I seem to remember we had a "five year plan" as well, that replaced, or was replaced by the "New Deal." Can't remember too much of my US history.

"Caught up in the fable" could mean that he belived things would change. I think the second verse was about Woodstock. He could have believed that that sort of a feeling and community would grow and change things for the better. To me, the "tower" is an ivory tower - the government becomes more mighty and prosperous, and rises above the people. The "golden chains" - red tape? Plans thwarted by wealthy and\or powerful people who don't want things to change?

Subject: RE: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: UB Ed
Date: 08 Dec 00 - 02:26 PM

Seems like its a song expressing overall disillusionment in the prospect of ever improving the good of the masses. I agree with the above historical intrpretations (Camelot is particularly insightful). This would fit the contextual attitiude of young Americans during the late 60's, early 70's.

By the by, as I dogpiled for the lyrics, I came across this (Speaking of right-wing disillusionment):

http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a36c901ff77a8.htm

Subject: RE: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: Mooh
Date: 10 Dec 00 - 09:25 AM

Well thanks folks. That's pretty much what I figured. But you know it's sometimes hard to remember American history when it's not my own. I do think that CCR isn't fully appreciated for the truly rocking songs they played, and how well many of those songs cross over to a "folk" presentation. Too bad they predated the unplugged phenomenon, and couldn't always get along.

Peace. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: Willie-O
Date: 10 Dec 00 - 09:51 AM

Well, John Fogerty is still cranking out good new songs now and then, isn't he? A one-of-a-kind artist. Great composer of guitar hooks. Very influenced by Steve Cropper. So there's a lot of soul in their stuff as well as the country, rock and Dylan facets.

Their stuff stands up very well. I've always thought they could have been a better band, though, if John Fogerty was the rhythm guitarist, and they had a more innovative lead player.

Who'll Stop the Rain was one of the first songs I ever learned. Ever hear Springsteen play it? (he used to do it in live shows, early 80's.) Or Battlefield Band's pseudo-trad cover of "Bad Moon Rising"?

I still play "Lodi" and a couple of others.

Willie-O

Subject: RE: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: Callie
Date: 10 Dec 00 - 09:49 PM

Well it has always puzzled me exactly what "Lodi" might be. A place? A state of mind? All explanations gratefully received!

Callie

Subject: RE: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: Mooh
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 01:44 PM

Willie.

Wanna hear something weird? I didn't know Battlefield Band did Bad Moon Rising until a piper told me a couple of days ago. I've been doin' it for ages with a little jig thing of my own in the midst of it. Either great minds think alike, or fools seldom differ.

Mooh.

Subject: RE: Who'll Stop The Rain
From: Matt_R
Date: 11 Dec 00 - 02:04 PM

Callie, "Lodi" is a town in Northern California....and a city in Italy. ;-)