Vietnam Research Writing Exercise by Carlyn Bower

The song "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival was released in 1969. This song was an anti-war song, specifically protesting the Vietnam War. This song also highlights some of the issues and injustices that occurred in the political system during the Vietnam War.  One of the main ideas in the song is the divide between the fortunate and unfortunate in the United States and the different roles that these classes played in the war. The higher classes are referred to as the "fortunate sons", while the lower classes are known as the "unfortunate sons".

"Fortunate Son" poster displaying the song's association with the anti-war movement

The "fortunate sons" in the song have privilege due to their class and do not have to worry about being drafted because of the way that the drafting system is set up to favor them. These people are able to support the war without enduring the consequences and to them it even seems like a far off place.

The "unfortunate sons" do not have any protection, however, and have to suffer through the consequences of the fortunate sons who support the war. These men who were drafted were sent overseas to fight and possibly even give up their lives in a war that they don't necessarily believe in.

The timing during which this song was released was very significant. During the late 1960s, over 2 million Americans participated in a nationwide protest against the war. Nixon tried to dismiss these protestors by portraying them as unpatriotic bums. When the song "Fortunate Sons" was released, this disputed Nixon's portrayal of the protestors because the members were known for their "unimpeachable blue-collar background and perspective."

https://www.shmoop.com/fortunate-son/meaning.html