I have loved this song ever since it first came out in 1969. A number 1 single in the UK many have covered it. Its strengths include its brevity (only 20 seconds over the two minute mark) and its simplicity of structure and performance (verse chorus, verse chorus, a simple instrumental break, verse, chorus, chorus; played by a familiar three or four piece band of drums, bass, guitars and vocal). What gives it that extra special oomph is the tightness of the rhythm section, John Fogerty's raw voice and the apocalyptic words - I hear hurricanes ablowin', I know the end is comin' soon, I fear rivers overflowin', I hear the voice of rage and ruin ... Hope you got your things together, Hope you are quite prepared to die, Looks like we're in for nasty weather, One eye is taken for an eye. One guesses that Fogerty is trying to be ironic rather than serious. (He based the song on a horror movie he saw on TV). If so, it is a double irony as the end is indeed comin' soon when Christ returns to judge the world and so we really do need to be prepared to die. What the song lacks, of course, is a message of salvation. The bad moon is arising but the Sun of righteousness has risen with healing in his wings and all who trust in him can face him with confidence through his blood.
