Proud Mary - Song Lyrics

  • Written by John Fogerty
  • Originally performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR)
  • Song went to # 2 on the Top 40 charts in 1969
  • Remade in 1971 by Ike and Tina Turner, the high energy version went to #4 on the charts
  • The song is about life on a Mississippi River riverboat back in the late 1800s & early 1900s.
  • Oracle performs the song in two arrangements...one as CCR did it, but included in a medley of other CCR songs, and we also perform the uptempo Tina Turner version standalone

Other songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival performed by Oracle:


Left a good job in the city,
Workin' for The Man ev'ry night and day,
And I never lost one minute of sleepin',
Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been.

Big wheel keep on turnin',
Proud Mary keep on burnin',
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.

Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis,
Pumped a lot of 'pane down in New Orleans,
But I never saw the good side of the city,
'Til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen.

Big wheel keep on turnin',
Proud Mary keep on burnin',
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.

If you come down to the river,
Bet you gonna find some people who live.
You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money,
People on the river are happy to give.

Big wheel keep on turnin',
Proud Mary keep on burnin',
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.

Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.


Note that the lyrics posted here are those as interpreted and performed by The Oracle Band. In a few cases we have taken some liberties with the lyrics to make them more appropriate for tasteful gatherings. Their use here is intended as an aid for people in selecting music for their wedding reception or private party, and may not be reproduced for any commercial, for-profit use.

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