John Fogerty is arguably one of the greatest rock and roll artists of all time. Between his work as the frontman and primary songwriter for Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and his solo career, Fogerty’s voice is behind some of rock music’s finest.
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As the writer behind such revered songs as “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising,” Fogerty and his CCR bandmates were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Below, we look at 10 of Fogerty’s best solo songs.
1. “Centerfield”
The title track of Fogerty’s 1985 album greets you with an enticing guitar groove, accented with a friendly organ, and invites you to move. “Centerfield” is a classic American song that’s almost instantly recognizable the moment you press play. It’s beloved at baseball parks around the country and has since made history when he was the only music artist to be honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame at its 2010 induction ceremony, further solidifying it as one of Fogerty’s best.
Oh, put me in coach, I’m ready to play today
Put me in coach, I’m ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield
2. “The Old Man Down the Road”
Among Fogerty’s biggest solo hits, “Old Man” continues to prove his stamina as an imaginative lyricist with a voice to match. Fogerty’s signature voice tells the devilish tale of a mysterious, rattlesnake hide suitcase-carrying man with eyes as dark as coal in a way that keeps the listener captivated. The song made personal history for Fogerty in 1985, as it was his only solo single to reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
You got to hidey-hide
You got to jump and run away
You got to hidey-hidey-hide
The old man is down the road
3. “Joy of My Life”
It took Fogerty nearly 40 years into his career to write his first love song, “Joy of My Life,” released in 1997. Unsurprisingly, his first attempt at a love song is one of his best. Written in honor of his wife Julie, “Joy of My Life” is true to its name. Fogerty claims to be the luckiest man alive. First time that I saw you / Ooh, you took my breath away, yeah / I might not get to heaven / But I walked with the angels that day, he croons, proving that while he rocks with the best of them, he still has a heart of gold.
She’s sweet to me
Must be the luckiest man alive
Did I tell you, baby
You are the joy of my life?
4. “Change in the Weather”
Fogerty takes us on some dark twists and turns with “Change in the Weather,” painting the scene of people plagued with fear as he issues a storm warning that’s determined to destroy all in its path. Tinged by the blues, Fogerty doesn’t sugarcoat the truth, singing down on your knees, go ahead and pray / But every demon has to have his day. The song is partially inspired by his CCR days, making it a guaranteed standout off his 1986 album, Eye of the Zombie.
Change in the weather, change in the weather,
Somethin’s happenin’ here.
Change in the weather, change in the weather,
People walkin’ round in fear
5. “Weeping in the Promised Land”
A deviation from his hard rock sound, Fogerty takes a gentler tone melodically while the lyrics pack a powerful message. With just a piano and his voice, Fogerty calls attention to world issues including poisoned water and gun violence.
Fogerty holds a mirror up to society’s woes as he paints a dark, vivid picture through lyrics out in the street, on your neck with a knee / All the people are crying your last words, “I can’t breathe” / And a white judge say, “There been no crime here today.” It’s a moving, timely song that continues to demonstrate Fogerty’s timelessness.
With dread in their eyes, all the nurses are crying
So much sorrow, so much dying
Pharaoh keep a-preaching but he never had a plan
Weeping in the Promised Land
Weeping in the Promised Land
6. “Southern Streamline”
Drawing melodic comparison to CCR’s hits, “Bad Moon on the Rise” and “Proud Mary,” Fogerty says “Southern Streamline” is inspired by train songs he used to listen to growing up. Blending his rock roots with a hint of twang, the song made an impression on the country charts, reaching a peak of No. 67 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1997.
Roll on down the line
Big wheels rollin’ right on time
Hear that whistle blowin’
Hear that engine roar and whine
Take care of my baby
Ridin’ on that southern streamline
7. “In the Garden”
Released in 2005, Fogerty proves nearly 50 years after his debut that he’s still got it with “In the Garden.” A sturdy guitar, solid drum solo and Fogerty’s powerful voice make for the ideal package. As the closing track on his album, Deja Vu All Over Again, “Garden” brings it to a rousing close that continues Fogerty’s legacy.
In the garden of the moon
In the garden of the sun
In the temple of the ages
There sits the ancient one
With a smile on his face
And a twinkle in his eye
Got a secret in his heart
He’s got a plan big as the sky
8. “Hearts of Stone”
Though just over two minutes long, that’s all Fogerty needs to show off his enduring vocals and musicianship on this cover of the R&B song that was first released circa 1954. “Hearts of Stone” was originally made a hit by The Fontane Sisters and the Charms, and Fogerty’s rugged vocals take the track to new heights. The singer achieved a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with his 1973 rendition.
Well, hearts of stone
Will cause you pain
Although you love them
They’ll stop you just the same
9. “Rock and Roll Girls”
Despite the song’s title, “Rock and Roll Girls” isn’t merely a tribute to the adoring fans of the genre. Underneath is the way Fogerty thoughtfully looks at life, with visions of sitting on a sun-soaked lake watching the world go by, flowers sprouting up from the sand with rainbows on my mind. The lyrics are vibrant and thought-provoking, much like the rest of Fogerty’s catalog.
Hey, let’s go all over the world
Rock and roll girls
Rock and roll girls
10. “Walking in a Hurricane”
A storming guitar and drum open this track that quickly pulls the listener in. Here, the singer uses the eye of a hurricane as a metaphor for the pain he’s willing to endure to get his loved one back. This deep cut on his 1997 Blue Moon Swamp album holds up alongside the hits.
I’ll go walkin’ in a hurricane
I’ll come crawlin’ in a drivin’ rain
I’ll keep searchin’ ’til I go insane
I got to have your love
Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage
