Song Analysis of "Fortunate Son"

Throughout literature, literary and poetic devices are used in order to strengthen the work overall. The use of such devices is not, however, restricted to novels or plays. Many artists and songwriters use poetic devices to create a sense of complexity in their songs and ballads, keeping the reader or listener interested in what they are saying. Bands, such as Creedence Clearwater revival, use this in order to help make their views on specific topics apparent to their audience. The song "Fortunate Son" describes the band's views on war and the army, using literary devices for dramatic effect.

Right away in the first verse, one can find a metaphor in the lines, "Some folks are born made to wave the flag/Ooh, they're red, white and blue." The folks being described are also being compared to the American flag, which is comprised of the colors red, white, and blue; this shows that these men and women are patriotic and would do anything to help serve and protect their country. There are also several examples of alliteration scattered throughout the song, including the alliteration found in the line, "Some folks are born silver spoon in hand." The repetition of the letter 's' in such close succession creates emphasis on the two words while grabbing and directing the reader's attention towards what is being said. Another example of alliteration is found in the line, "Yeh, some folks inherit star spangled eyes." Again, the repetition of the letter 's' in the words some, star and spangled creates emphasis on those words, as well as directing the reader's attention towards that specific line. There are also several examples of imagery found in the lines, "Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale" and "Yeh, some folks inherit star spangled eyes." The first line, "Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale," creates the image of an actual rummage sale in the reader or listener's mind. Objects and materials, such as clothes, used toys and other knick-knacks, can appear in the mind of the reader, as they are commonly found at rummage sales. The second line, "Yeh, some folks inherit star spangled eyes," also creates and demonstrates imagery because of the description of the eyes; the eyes are not just brown or blue, they are star spangled eyes, meaning they contain the colors red, white and blue like the American flag. This also creates the image of patriotism, as the American flag is a symbol of America and the founders of the nation.

The use of literary and poetic devices throughout the song "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival has a dramatic and positive effect on the demonstration of the meaning of the song. Throughout the song, the band is explaining that he, the speaker, is unlike all the fortunate men who do not have to go to war; they have money, power, or influence that they have received from their parents and are, therefore, able to escape the draft. The speaker is very angry at this fact, and uses the term "silver spoon" to describe those that do not have to fight in the Vietnam War. These men are given everything they want in need, while others have to fight for what they want. The overall meaning of the song is greatly benefited by the use of poetic and literary terms, just as all works of literature.