About the song
Creedence Clearwater Revival and their iconic take on “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”. Buckle up, because we’re diving into a musical crossroads where classic soul meets swamp rock with a sprinkle of heartbreak.
Now, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” wasn’t originally a CCR tune. It sprouted from the fertile ground of Motown Records in 1966, penned by the songwriting duo of Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. The soulful original, most famously covered by Marvin Gaye in 1968, became a heart-wrenching anthem about the pain of whispered rumors and a love gone astray.
Creedence Clearwater Revival, however, were a different breed. Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, they brought a swampy, blues-tinged rock sound to the table. Led by the enigmatic John Fogerty, CCR were known for their raw energy, catchy hooks, and Fogerty’s distinctive, gravelly vocals.
So, when CCR decided to tackle “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” for their 1970 album Cosmo’s Factory, it was bound to be a fascinating reimagining. Instead of the smooth soul groove of the original, CCR injects a dose of rock and roll urgency. Fogerty’s vocals take on a desperate edge, pleading for the truth from a lover who’s seemingly moved on. The band’s signature rhythm section, featuring Doug Clifford’s pounding drums and Stu Cook’s throbbing bass line, lays down a foundation that’s both propulsive and raw.
But CCR’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” isn’t just a straight-up rock cover. Clocking in at a whopping eleven minutes, it’s an epic exploration of emotional turmoil. The song builds and builds, with Fogerty’s guitar solos adding layers of scorching frustration. There are moments of quiet reflection too, where the instrumentation strips down, leaving Fogerty’s voice exposed and vulnerable.
This extended format allows CCR to delve deeper into the emotional landscape of the song. We hear the narrator grapple with disbelief, anger, and a desperate hope for reconciliation. The lyrics, delivered with Fogerty’s signature snarl, paint a vivid picture of a love shattered by rumors and miscommunication.
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is more than just a cover. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to transform a song into something entirely their own. It’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling through music, taking a classic soul ballad and infusing it with their own brand of swamp rock fury. So, when you hit play, prepare to be swept away by a tidal wave of sound and emotion, all fueled by the power of the grapevine.
Video
Lyrics
“I Heard It Through The Grapevine”
‘Bout your plan to make me blue
With some other guy that you knew before?
Between the two of us guys, you know I love you more
Took me by surprise, I must say, when I found out yesterday
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
You know that a man ain’t supposed to cry
But these tears I can’t hold inside
Losing you would end my life, you see
‘Cause you mean that much to me
You could’ve told me yourself that you found someone else
Instead
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
People say “You hear from what you see
Not, not, not from what you hear.”
I can’t help but being confused
If it’s true, won’t you tell me dear?
Do you plan to let me go
For the other guy that you knew before?
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Aah-aah, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah