John Fogerty, renowned for his iconic songs and masterful songwriting, often delves into the intricate process behind his creations. In discussing his album Wrote a Song for Everyone, Fogerty shared the fascinating journey of one particular track, “Train of Fools,” revealing the dedication and meticulous approach that defines his work as one of the great songwriters of our time. This anecdote provides a glimpse into how John Fogerty songs are born, often through a process of refinement and reinvention.
The initial spark for “Train of Fools” ignited, as Fogerty recounts, with a different song entirely, also bearing the same title. He humorously describes this first attempt as “fat Elvis,” mimicking a less refined, almost comical version. Faced with a tight 24-hour deadline before heading into the studio with his band, Fogerty managed to complete this initial draft. However, his own high standards deemed it insufficient. Recognizing its shortcomings, he made the bold decision to discard it and start anew, remarkably sticking with the same title, “Train of Fools.” Fogerty acknowledged the unusual nature of this creative restart, noting that typically, a rejected song needs significant time away before revisiting.
The core concept of a “train of fools,” however, resonated deeply with Fogerty. He recognized its potential and began to flesh out the narrative, envisioning a cast of characters and their backstories. This conceptualization transformed the song into what he describes as a “morality play,” even drawing a parallel to an episode of Twilight Zone. He imagined a Rod Serling-esque introduction, painting vivid portraits of “the gambler,” “the loser,” and “the pretty maiden who’s deceitful,” populating his metaphorical train.
Despite feeling the song was essentially complete and even recording it with his band, a nagging sense of incompleteness persisted. While the song possessed a narrative arc, guiding the listener through a descriptive journey, Fogerty felt it lacked a definitive conclusion. Driven by his commitment to song perfection, he was prepared to scrap the recorded version and continue working.
Focusing on a specific line, “One will be addicted / Chained to the devil’s cross / That one’s going to die before he’s old,” which initially served as the song’s ending before transitioning into the chorus, Fogerty sought a more profound resolution. He shifted his perspective to consider a child, leading to the poignant lines: “This one is a victim / A lost and broken child / Soon enough he’ll be a man to hate.” This addition, he felt, was a significant improvement. He then sought rhyming lines to expand on the theme of judgment and hypocrisy, culminating in “Those that point their finger / Will also share the blame.”
Over several days, the final, impactful lines emerged: “Those that point their finger / Will also share the blame / No one leaves this train to judgment day.” This concluding statement provided the powerful and resonant ending that Fogerty had been searching for, solidifying “Train of Fools” as another compelling entry in the extensive catalog of John Fogerty songs. This detailed account showcases the iterative and thoughtful songwriting process behind even a single John Fogerty song, revealing the artist’s unwavering dedication to crafting meaningful and impactful music.
