proud mary riverboat

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Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Songfacts®:

• In the beginning, "Proud Mary" had nothing to do with a riverboat. Instead, John Fogerty envisioned it as the story of a woman who works as a maid for rich people. "She gets off the bus every morning and goes to work and holds their lives together," he explained. "Then she has to go home." It was Stu Cook who first introduced the riverboat aspect of the song. The idea came to him as the group watched the television show Maverick and Stu made the statement, "Hey riverboat, blow your bell." John agreed that the boat seemed to have something to do with the song that had been brewing in his mind for quite some time, waiting to take conscious shape. When he wrote the music, he made the first few chords evoke a riverboat paddlewheel going around. Thus, "Proud Mary" went from being a cleanup lady to a boat.
• Fogerty wrote the lyrics based on three song title ideas: "Proud Mary," "Riverboat," and "Rolling On A River." He carried around a notebook with titles that he thought would make good songs, and "Proud Mary" was at the top of the list.
• The song came together on the day that John Fogerty got his discharge papers from the US Army. Fogerty had been drafted in 1966 and was part of a Reserve unit, serving at Fort Bragg, Fort Knox, and Fort Lee. His discharge papers came in 1967. Fogerty recalls in Bad Moon Rising: The Unofficial History of Creedence Clearwater Revival by Hank Bordowitz: "The Army and Creedence overlapped, so I was 'that hippie with a record on the radio.' I'd been trying to get out of the Army, and on the steps of my apartment house sat a diploma-sized letter from the government. It sat there for a couple of days, right next to my door. One day, I saw the envelope and bent down to look at it, noticing it said 'John Fogerty.' I went into the house, opened the thing up, and saw that it was my honorable discharge from the Army. I was finally out! This was 1968 and people were still dying. I was so happy, I ran out into my little patch of lawn and turned cartwheels. Then I went into my house, picked up my guitar and started strumming. 'Left a good job in the city' and then several good lines came out of me immediately. I had the chord changes, the minor chord where it says, 'Big wheel keep on turnin'/Proud Mary keep on burnin'' (or 'boinin',' using my funky pronunciation I got from Howling' Wolf). By the time I hit 'Rolling, rolling, rolling on the river,' I knew I had written my best song. It vibrated inside me. When we rehearsed it, I felt like Cole Porter." So it was that an all-American classic was born from the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the late 1960s. Fogerty suspected right away that his "Tin Pan Alley" song was a radio-friendly hit, and he was right. The song hit #2 in the US, reached #8 in the UK, and #1 in Austria.
• This was the first of five singles by Creedence that went to #2 on the US chart; they have the most #2 songs without ever having a #1.
• Despite popular belief, John Fogerty was not writing from experience when he wrote this. Thanks to his military commitment, he hadn't ventured further east than Montana. After the song was recorded, he took a trip to Memphis so he could finally see the Mississippi River.
• The original CCR version peaked at #2 in March 1969. In June, Solomon Burke's rendition hit #45. His was the first to include a spoken into: I know a lot of you folks would like to know what the old Proud Mary is all about Well, I'd like to tell you about her She's nothing but a big old boat You see, my forefathers used to ride the bottoms of her as stokers, cooks, and waiters And I made a vow that when I grew up, I'd take a ride on the old Proud Mary And if you'd let me, I'd like to sing about it Burke then sings, " looking for a job in the city," as opposed to "left a good job in the city."
• This was a #4 hit in the US for Ike & Tina Turner in 1971, and a highlight of their live shows. Tina Turner recalled in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in 1971 how they came to record this on their Workin' Together album: "When we cut the album, we were lacking a few tunes, so we said 'Well, let's just put in a few things that we're doing on stage. And that's how 'Proud Mary' came about. I had loved it when it first came out. We auditioned a girl and she had sung 'Proud Mary.' This is like eight months later, and Ike said, 'You know, I forgot all about that tune.' And I said let's do it, but let's change it. So in the car Ike plays the guitar, we just sort of jam. And we just sort of broke into the black version of it. It was never planned to say, 'Well, let's go to the record shop, and I'd like to record this tune by Aretha Franklin'... it's just that we get it for stage, because we give the people a little bit of us and a little bit of what they hear on the radio every day."
• "Proud Mary" attracted 35 covers in the year 1969 alone. Over 100 have been made since. These are the US charting versions: Creedence Clearwater Revival (#2, 1969) Solomon Burke (#45, 1969) Checkmates, Ltd. feat. Sonny Charles (#69, 1969) Ike & Tina Turner (#4, 1971) Glee Cast (#115, 2009)
• The line, "Pumped a lot of pain down in New Orleans" is actually "Pumped a lot of 'Pane," as in propane. He was pumping gas.
• The Checkmates, Ltd. did a horn-powered, gospel inflected version of this song that was produced by Phil Spector and featured Sonny Charles on lead vocals. Running 4:30, it's substantially longer than the 3:07 original, and went to #69 in November 1969. This arrangement was clearly an influence on the Ike & Tina Turner version, which they started performing soon after. There was speculation that Spector, who produced Ike & Tina on their 1966 single " River Deep - Mountain High ," brought this version to Ike Turner's attention.
• When CCR recorded this song, John Fogerty wasn't happy with the harmony vocals, so he recorded them himself and overdubbed them onto the track. This caused further tension in his already-tenuous relationship with his bandmates. The group split up in 1972.
• Fogerty came up with the famous chord riff on guitar when he was playing around with Beethoven's " 5th Symphony ." That one goes "dun dun dun duuunnnnn...," but Fogerty thought it would sound better with the emphasis on the first note, which is how he arrived at " do do do do." This part reminded him of the paddle wheel that impels a riverboat. "'Proud Mary' is not a side-wheeler, it's a stern-wheeler," he explained.
• Even though Creedence Clearwater Revival was from El Cerrito, California, many people thought they were from New Orleans or some other part of the South because of their swamp rock sound. They helped feed the rumor by naming their second album Bayou Country .
• Tina Turner recorded a solo version for her 1993 album What's Love Got To Do With It , which was the soundtrack to her biopic of the same name. In the film, it was lip-synced by Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne (who played Ike and Tina), but on the recording, Tina's sax player Tim Cappello did Ike's bass vocals. By recording her own version with no trace of Ike, it made sure he could not profit from its use in the film or soundtrack - an important distinction considering Tina's accusations of spousal abuse. When Tina performed the song live, she would usually do a variation on the spoken part, but without the male vocal.
• Ike & Tina Turner's version charted for the first time in the UK on the chart dated October 2, 2010 after it was performed on X-Factor by auditioneees Diva Fever. This version was credited to Tina Turner only.
• Ike and Tina performed their version on the Season 2 premiere of Soul Train in 1972, becoming the first big act to appear on the program. The show became very popular its first season because of the dancers, but they were able to book many famous guests in subsequent seasons.
• The first time Fogerty heard Ike and Tina's version he was in the car. He told Spinner : "When it ended, if they had a camera and came back to me it'd be like, when Shrek and the donkey go to Far, Far Away and they push the button for that little arcade machine and it tells the whole story of their town! And the Donkey's like [Eddie Murphy impression] 'Let's do that again!' That's how I felt when that ended. I loved it, and I was so honored. I was like, 'Wow, Ike and Tina!' I had actually been following their career for quite some time. Way back in the day, when Janis and Grace Slick started to get known by the kids who were my age, I'd be like, 'Man, Tina Turner, c'mon!' She finally got her due, but for a while there, she wasn't noticed. It was a really good version, and it was different. I mean, that's the key. Instead of the same thing, it was really exciting."
• On February 19, 1987, John Fogerty went to the Palomino Club in North Hollywood to see Taj Mahal, an artist Fogerty calls "an American treasure." As told in Fogerty's memoir, while trying to remain incognito and listen to Taj, he noticed that Bob Dylan was doing the exact same thing in the corner of the venue. Fogerty went to Dylan and learned that George Harrison had gone there, too. Someone let Taj know who was in the house, and Taj promptly called them all onstage. Dylan played one of his songs. Harrison played "Honey, Don't" and then they all did "Twist and Shout." At that point, Dylan called out that Fogerty had to do "Proud Mary." At that point in his life, Fogerty had sworn off all of his old CCR material, out of bitterness and spite against both his old band and his old label. So Fogerty said he didn't want to play the song, but Dylan responded, "If you don't do 'Proud Mary,' everybody's gonna think it's a Tina Turner song." With that, Fogerty ripped into the song and had a great time playing it. When he was done he said, "Eat your heart out, Tina." The occasion didn't inspire Fogerty to start regularly performing CCR songs again, but it did break it for that one evening as four legends of rock jammed together.
• According to the book Bad Moon Rising , Bob Dylan called "Proud Mary" his favorite song of 1969.
• A film about a hitwoman titled Proud Mary was released in January 2018. Not only does the action movie take its name from the song, but altered lyrics from the tune appear on the poster promoting it, with the tagline, "Killing for the Man every Night and Day." John Fogerty took to Twitter to complain: "I wrote the song 'Proud Mary' 50 years ago, and I was very excited to have written such a good song. In fact, it was my very first good song. My songs are special to me. Precious. So it irks me when people seek to capitalize on the popularity of my music and the good will it has earned with the public for their own financial gain. Over the years, I have often found myself directly opposed to these uses. This movie has nothing to do with me, or my song. They simply picked the title and wrote a completely fictitious story around it." He added: "No one ever asked me about using my song this way, or even about the meaning of Proud Mary." The film, as well as the trailer, features the Tina Turner version of the song. Fogerty lost the rights to his CCR songs in 1973, so there was nothing he could do about having a cover version of the song used in the film.
• Leonard Nimoy, who played "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek , recorded an infamous cover of this song. Near the end, he sings the chorus Elmer Fudd style - "Big wheel keep on toynin', Pwoud Mawy keep on boinin'..." It is included on a CD called Golden Throats .
• This song was used to disastrous effect to open the 1989 Academy Awards ceremony in a bit where host Rob Lowe sang it with an actress playing Snow White, with the lyrics changed to be about Hollywood: Klieg lights keep on burnin' Cameras keep on turnin' Rollin' Rollin' Keep the cameras rollin' It got a better treatment in 2024 when Fantasia Barrino sang it to honor Tina Turner.
• Tina Turner sang this song for nearly 40 years, performing it until she retired in 2009. Many of her hits were ballads, so "Proud Mary" was an opportunity to electrify the crowd with a high-energy number that let her show off her impressive dancing.
• More songs from Creedence Clearwater Revival
• More songs with girls' names in the title
• More songs that were hits for more than one artist
• More songs about commitment or respect
• More songs performed at Woodstock
• More songs covered by the Glee cast
• More songs that are also the names of movies
• More songs from 1969
• Lyrics to Proud Mary
• Creedence Clearwater Revival Artistfacts

Comments: 67

• John Garland from Bridgwater, Somerset, England Isn't it interesting that the author of this chapter; unlike so many other writers over the years was lazy or didn't do their homework. All the info was in a small paperback called Inside Creedence published in 69. Without Stu Cook's input about the great song, Proud Mary would probably not have been the legendary standard it became. Of course, John never credited his bandmate. Such a shame, but CCR were such a legendary group because Tom decided to leave and they left all their best work for the ages. I purposely left out Mardi Gras, because by then CCR were no longer a band.
• Mephilis Eric, it's not tane, you barbarian. The word you are thinking of is Tang. Poontang.
• Annabelle from Eugene, Or I clearly hear, "Pumped a lot of pane". Want some proof? https://youtu.be/kKC3SexQ01k
• Eric from The Virginia Swamp Not “pumped a lot of Pane”. It’s “pumped a lot of Tane” So the double meaning of Octane or Poo-tane, can carry forward. Rolling Proud Mary… that’s Mary Jane, The green stuff. Devils weed.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On this day in 1969 {December 13th} Andy Williams performed "Proud Mary" on his NBC-TV musical variety program, 'The Andy Williams Show'... In the calendar year of 1969 three versions of "Proud Mary" made Billboard's Top 100 chart, CCR's original version peaked at #2 {for 3 weeks} in March, Solomon Burke's covered version reached #45 {for 1 week} in June, and the Checkmates' covered version peaked at #69 {for 1 week} in October... Between 1956 and 2007 the Wall Lake, Iowa native had forty-six records on Billboard's Top 100 chart, eight made the Top 10 with one reaching #1, "Butterfly", for three weeks on March 14th, 1957... He just missed having a second #1 record when his "Can't Get Used to Losing You" peaked at #2 for 4 weeks in 1963, during it's first two weeks at #2, "He's So Fine" by the Chiffons was at #1, and for it's 3rd and 4th week at #2, "I Will Follow Him" by Little Peggy March occupied the top spot... Howard Andrew 'Andy' Williams passed away at the age of 84 on September 25th, 2012... May he R.I.P.
• Yuk from Usa Pumped a lot of propane in New Orleans in the sixties? More likely it was 'tane (octane, in gasoline)
• Kawa from Tokyo, Japan Hi Music lovers, I think that the idea of the lyrics if the song 'Proud Mary' came from the theme song of TV series 'Rawhide' in 50s to 60s. 'Rawhide' was an American Western TV series aired from 1959 to 1966. It was a very popular TV series and it was aired in Japan, too. I think the songwriter of the song,'Proud Mary', John Fogerty, must have been watching this TV series at that time. Because the lyrics of the song has including a very impressive phrase 'Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river'. It reminds me of the theme of 'Rawhide'. REALLY! I think that John as a kid thought the theme of 'Rawhide' was very cool and that he wanted to write a song like this someday in the future. And he did in 1969 as writing the song 'Proud Mary'. By the way, I think that the intro of 'Proud Mary' came from the intro from the song 'Sunshine Of Your Love' written and played by the British rock band called 'Cream' in 1967. So let's take a look at both 'The theme of Rawhide and 'Sunshin Of Love' compairing the song 'Proud Mary' AND sing!
• Jennifur Sun from Ramona LOVE this song because I LOVE LOVE LOVE old paddlewheeleers. Have rode the two in Tahoe and didn't want to get off. Am not crazy about the Tina version either but that's ok. Thanks John for such a great tune.
• Sam from Nyc hmmm, aren't these the same guys who wanna know if you ever seen the rain? lol uhhh yea, this song is about smoking a joint. if anyone ever seen a pot rolling machine, you'll know what they mean by "big wheel keeps on turning". If you haven't seen a pot rolling machine, you can just drop in on any smoke shop and ask to see a Zig Zag.. cost you around 10 bux lol. then you too will find yourself "rollin, rollin rollin" and understand why your "proud mary keeps on burning" lol. Have a good day.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 16th 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival was one of the acts* to appear at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, California... Three days later on January 19th CCR's "Proud Mary" would enter Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #62, a little over six weeks later on March 2nd it would peak at #2 for three weeks... {See 11th post below}... * Other acts on the bill were Fleetwood Mac and Albert Collins.
• Johnny from Boston, Ma I love this song as I do all John Fogerty songs and I think the guitar solo is one of the best of all time--short and sweet.
• Garett from Il Alas, it is sir Walter Scott as author of the poem. My apologies sir W.
• Garett from Il Proud Maisie, by Longfellow, preceded the riverboat. Maisie, as a name, dropped from history, mostly, for practical reasons. I can hear the children taunting: Don't see Maisie She is crazy Mind is hazy Will is lazy If you fancy Go see Nancy Soon you'll learn to Do her pants - eee! Still in the oral tradition, our culture replaced the name with Mary, and it is a short poem. In the poem, Mary is so proud, too proud, that she learns her only marriage bed will be her grave, and the shovel is mentioned that digs it. A steamboat broiler looks like hell itself, the overwhelming fire and heat. Mean work for any man. What deserves to be shoveled into hell itself? Someone with an intractable sin, like Proud Mary. Hey let's name the boat that. She should keep on burnin after all, right?
• Bob Wallace from California "Proud Mary" is apparently riverboat slang for dried horse manure which was sometimes used as fuel on steamboats. It burns hot and clean (think buffalo chips for the pioneers and dried cattle manure commonly used South Asia). http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/2273-steamboat-terminology-slang.html In an interview on American Roots with a riverboat captain the captain says that there were a number of things burned under boilers in order to get the temperature up quickly. Pine knots, hams and Proud Mary were some. Big wheel keep on turnin' Proud Mary keep on burnin'
• Markantney from Biloxe May 2015 Susan, I'm from the Deeep South (MS) and I'm amazed that CCR doesn't have a Southern Background? How their songs can sound as Southern as Lynyrd Skynyrd is freakin amazing to me:):) And to the folks harping on the "Drugs", say the song IS about Drugs, now what?
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On March 9th 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival performed "Proud Mary" on the CBS-TV program "The Ed Sullivan Show"... At the time the song was in its second of three weeks at #2 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart, that would also be its peak position on the chart... {See fourth post below}.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 16th 1971, a video of Ike & Tina Turner performing "Proud Mary" was aired on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'... Eight days later on January 24th, 1971 the duo's covered version entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #99 {See posts below for more chart info}.
• Susan from Atlanta, Ga Luke from Manchester, I think I love you! It annoys me no end that on virtually every song covered in this site, some proud soul showing off his or her new lobotomy declares the song to be about drugs. I love CCR, and John Fogerty is one of three concerts left on my bucket list. I remember being shocked to find that they were originally from California and not, as they alluded in various ways, the bayou area or somewhere along the Mississippi River. Thanks to whoever explained that faux "Cajun" accent John was trying to affect with "toinin'" and "boinin'" in this song.
• Markantney from Biloxi, Ms June, 2014: 1. I don't care if it's about Drugs, Dishes, Gasoline, Typewriters, or even Pet Rocks,..it's a great song, both CCRs and Ike and Tina's Versions. 2. I like to listen to CCRs and see Ike and Tina's performed. 3. Back to #1, based on the issues of the day (back then); it's hard to believe it's not about drugs but again, I could care less if it is or isn't.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On March 2nd 1969, "Proud Mary" by CCR peaked at #2 (for 3 weeks) on Billboard's Hot Top chart... (See post below)... Was the quartet's first in a string of nine straight records to make the Top 10; after 'Mary' came "Bad Moon Rising (#2 for 1 week), "Green River" (#2 for 1 week), "Down On The Corner" (#3), "Travlin' Band" (#2 for 2 weeks), "Up Round The Bend" (#4), "Lookin' Out My Back Door" (#2 for 1 week), "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" (#8), and finally "Sweet Hitch Hiker" (#6)... On June 4th, 1972 "Someday Never Comes" peaked at #25 (for 2 weeks); and that broke their streak of Top 10 records... And four years later in 1976 their covered version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" was their last Top 100 record, it reached #43.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 19th 1969, "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on March 2nd it peaked at #2 (for 3 weeks) and spent 14 weeks on the Top 100 (and 7 of those 14 weeks were on the Top 10)... In its first week at #2, the #1 record was "Everyday People" by Sly and the Family Stone and for its 2nd & 3rd week, "Dizzy" by Tommy Roe was in the top spot... Was their first of five #2s on the Top 100... "Proud Mary" was track three of side two on the group's second studio album, 'Bayou Country', the album reached #7 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart... Tom Fogerty passed away on September 6th, 1990 at the young age of 48... May he R.I.P.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 11th 1970 Ike and Tina Turner performed "Proud Mary" on the CBS-TV program 'The Ed Sullivan Show'... One year later on January 24th, 1971 it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on March 21st, 1971 it peaked at #4 (for 1 week) and spent 13 weeks on the Top 100... CCR's original version peaked at #2 (for 3 weeks) two years earlier on March 2nd, 1969... And also in 1969 two covered versions made the Top 100; Solomon Burke (#45) and Checkmates, Ltd. (#69).
• Luke from Manchester, United Kingdom Stop attaining songs to drugs unless they ARE about drugs. It's embarrassing for people with brains.
• Karl from Seattle, Wa I think this song very clearly draws connections to living an alternative lifestyle and doing drugs. It's about being a nomad, moving about a lot, experiencing the "high" life with drugs instead of the conventional finish highschcool maybe get a degree get a job get married, kids dogs and a house to live for the rest of your life in. It's about not fitting in the "system". And people who don't fit in are a lot more likely to smoke weed. "Proud mary keep on burning"? People who smoke weed are often very affectionate of it. There's a million songs out there who personalize marijuana as an object or a person i.e.e Mary janes last dance from tom petty. "Rolling, rolling, rolling"? Hard to believe a guy who probably smoked all day and was probably rolling a joint as he wrote the song didn't write this intentionally, right after proud mary keep on burning. Pumped a lot of painpane might just be a play on words. Heroin initially gives a high but i bet it can be painful for someone without resources to try to deal with the addiction when they are all out of money and need another dose, maybe living in the street. Maybe pain wasn't the ideal word to describe itbut he needed to make it ambiguous with pane. Now what really closes the deal " If you come down to the river, Bet you gonna find some people who live. You dont have to worry cause you have no money, People on the river are happy to give." meaning - If you decide to give the hippie community (general umbrella term for people who believe in alternative lifestyles, not specific people anywhere) a chance i bet you would leave with a good impression. I bet you are gonna find some people who live good lives despite not following the norm of society that is equating money with the ability to achieve happiness. River = river of life, the flow of the universe and everyday life, a river is constantly changing and every second its flow and format is different, thought sometimes it might seem slow and at other times fast. Like life. Now, i like other interpretations of the song too, and im not trying to put them down. Songs can have multiple meanings. But to think that the author didn't intentionally reference drugs in this song is like being in a room with an elephant and deciding to close yours eyes and say theres no elephant. It is there. Also, it doesnt matter what the band said or didnt say. There could be a million reasons why he would rather give an answer in an interview rather than another, and Rob, Novi, MI - Did you write this straight from the DEA's headquarters? On your lunch break maybe? "Stop thinking and just hear", oh dear.
• Meocyber from Alma, Co I've allways interpreted this as a blue collar working river man's song. He kind of spoke to the lonelines, along with romance of river life. For a Nocal guy Fogerty had to have a past life in the deep South. Has great empathy!
• Ernie from Bronx, Ny, Ny New York City --song had went to #1 for 1 week on radio station WMCA - which played rock & roll with more of local sound- --WABC --song went to #2 -which played National hit songs- this took wedding bands by storm-- when a band was asked to play a rock & roll song- they would always play "PROUD MARY"
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny "Proud Mary" started the string of three consecutive records that peaked at #2; "Proud Mary" for three weeks, then "Bad Moon Rising" for a week, and finally "Green River" for one week!!!
• Rick from Belfast, Me this song should of been #1 for the year....at worst, definitely #2 for the year 1969
• Jeff from Panama City , Fl the intro doesnt instill the paddlewheel for me...its the lead riff in the middle...and the fills are phenomenal...very soulful...the single reason for me learning the guitar at an early age...the big one that put creedence on the map...forever indebted to stu, doug, tom, and of course john for giving me the inspiration to follow a music career...advocation
• Luke from Saint Augustine, Fl do you know that i always thought this song was about a semi truck driver, for example rolling down the river, proud mary keep on burnin' which i thought he ment truck wheels keep on burnin down the road, even though everyone says proud mary was a boat i still like to think its a truck :)
• Garrett from Phenix City, Al Hello Jose from Barcelona, How can I find the Conway Twitty album "I Love You More Today? Is it still In Print? If you have an answer, let me know por favor.
• Garrett from Phenix City, Al Marta, I tried going to the direct YouTube address that you have sent. I could pull up the song itself, but I couldn't find Conway's version When I tried typing it in the youtube search box it just gave me all of his other songs. If you know what page number in the listings it would be on, or anywhere else that has it for sure, or if there is anyone else that knows the about this please let me know I appreciate it. God Bless!!!
• Marta from Szczecin, Poland http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z4lmF8PNGc :)))
• Garrett from Phenix City, Al Does Anybody know where I can find Conway Twitty's version of proud Mary? If you do, please tell me. I have looked on the web and can not find it anywhere. Thanks, Garrett Miles
• Garrett from Phenix City, Al First of all, I'd like to say the lyrics to the second verse are as follows; "Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, pumped a lot of 'pane or 'pain down in New Orleans." I used to think it was "Pumped a lot of tank down in New Orleans." Later, I heard a friend of mine's son singing the CCR version, and he said it was 'pane. Then I listened closely to Creedence Clearwater Revival's version, and it was clear that Fogerty was saying "'Paine" or "'pain," and not "tank as i thought it was, or even "'tane" as Ike & Tina Turner sang. So I asked several people what they thought it was and they all said it was "'pane" as a contracted form of propane. I have listened to the lyrical content of the song and clearly do not think it is about smoking dope. I have never heard heroine called "Pain." The song is about a riverboat going down the Mississippi. Now that i got that point clear, Yesterday I was reading some of the comments on this site, and I heard someone mension that Conway Twitty sang the song. I had heard that a long time ago, but had forgotten about it. I was wondering if you knew how or where i could find it, because I have looked all over the internet and I can't find it If you read this, and you have an answer, please let me know.
• Harry from Myrtle Beach, Sc To the person who made the comment about hating Tina's version - that's fine if you don't like it - Don't listen to it - But your excuse for a joke about Ike hitting her is apalling. Grow up a little!
• Marion from Houston, Texas, Tx OOPS! That should be JOHN Fogerty.
• Marion from Houston, Texas, Tx I am probably much older than any of you who posted comments and believe I can safely say have known Jim Fogerty and his music much longer than you have. Do not presume to second guess this great artist. He says what he means and means what he says. Instead of arguing about the words of any song, why not just buy the sheet music?
• Kevin from Chicago, Il I'm surprised most people don't draw the connection this song makes to marijuana. "Proud Mary keep on burnin?" I would say that is a pretty obvious reference to smoking some "Mary Jane"
• Kris from Wichita, Ks I hate Tina Turner's version of this song. It's prolly the reason Ike beat her,"Damn Tina you messed that song up *Smack* Don't do it again!"
• Marge from Blue Grass, Ia I'm doing Memorial Tribute's in memory of an uncle who passed away that who used to work on the river as a deckhand years ago. My husband John has worked on the river for 31 years. He's a Captain on a lineboat. He thought this song "Proud Mary" would be the perfect song to put on the Memorial. We always loved this song. It's a good song and I don't know why people have to talk trash about such a great song! Marge,BG,IA.
• David from Wilson, Ny i used to think it was about the boat queen mary when i was younger.
• Gare from St. Paul, Mn I am disappointed to realize that I have had the lyrics wrong all these years - I thought the song said "pumped a lot of tang' down in New Orleans" as in poontang. Damn! I'm still gonna sing it that way, it's much more interesting that-a-way! A great song sung by anyone is still a great song!!!
• Mark from Byrdstown, Tn It kills me when someone posts 'so and so did an awesome cover of this song'.I mean why would you want to hear anyone cover this song when you can hear CCR doing it? I mean hell, Fogerty himself is still playing in a traveling band and doing this song.Even Tina Turner sounded like crap trying to do this song.
• David from Baden-baden, Germany John always had a book with him in which he wrote down feelings or experiences he made on journeys or something. He wrote lyrics with the help of this book.
• Street Strategist from Hong Kong, Hong Kong "Proud Mary" is number 8 in the list called "Sounds at the Speed of Music: 50 Rock Anthems at 100 kph"
• Ken from Louisville, Ky On an NPR interview, Fogerty was asked to pronounce the words "turning" and "burning". Fogerty was amused when the host was shocked that John didn't pronounce them "toinin'" and "boinin'". He said he sang the song in a cajun accent, which, being fron Northern California, he had to fake.
• Linda from Omaha, Ne I read that John Fogerty wrote "Proud Mary" because he was happy about having been rejected for service in Vietnam. Can't believe everything you read though.
• Teresa from Mechelen, Belgium Ike and Tina Turner didn't ruin the song, it's just different but very good also.
• Paul from Warren, Mi This is a great song. It tells of a riverboat sailing down the Mississippi River with the paddlewheels going full force. Ike&Tina Turner ruined the song by speeding up the beat and now every musician follows the Turner way instead of doing it the way John Fogerty wrote it, the way the son was meant to be.
• Caitlin from Upper Township, Nj Cool song. nice rhythmn. i danced to this song in my jazz class last year.
• Teresa from Mechelen, Belgium I loved this song when it came out and still love it now, the version of Ike and Tina Turner is also very good. I can't say which one I prefer because they are so different.
• Jeff from Staten Island, Ny Heroin is called Boy & Coke is called girl because heroin or Dope = (D) & Coke = (C) (its code/slang) because a boy has a 'D' a girl has a 'C' (think of private parts) the word "Man" doesn't fit the equation
• Joe from Charlotte, Nc I saw Fogerty in Chrlotte, NC. He's still doin' it. The "Man" in this song is heroin. "Workin for the man every night and day." If you want proof, watch the movie 'Ray' with Jamie Fox. They refer to coke as the lady, and heroin as boy. The river is referred to in thousands of rock songs. If you listen to any classic rock song and replace any word relating to water with heroin, they all make sense.
• Mitchell from Melbourne, Australia Yeah I saw him in Melbourne too. Terrific sing/songwriter and an excellent performer. Every there loved the entire show and was going crazy. I'm 14
• Jolene from Melbourne, Australia Just saw Fogerty two nights ago in Melbourne and when he did this song the crowd was jumping around and acting real crazy which is a surprise cause the crowd was made up of people from 15 to 75! Mind you we were going crazy to just about every song, incredible concert. If you get a chance to see him live, take it.
• Diane from Nyc, Ny It's a big person who can admit when they are wrong. I am (was) wrong. Straight from the horse's mouth: "Sometimes I write words to songs because they sound cool to sing. Sometimes the listener doesn't understand what I'm singing because I'm dedicated to singing the vowel, having fun with the word sounds coming out of my mouth. 'Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, pumped a lot of pain down in New Orleans,' is a good example. I think Tina Turner sang 'tane' instead of 'pain,' as in a contracted form of octane. But I knew what she meant," Fogerty said.
• Diane from Nyc, Ny the lyric is pumped a lot of 'pane (propane) gasoline. it's funny how people project themselves on to perfectly harmless and obvious song lyrics.
• Jose from Barcelona, Spain there is an outstanding version of Proud Mary (country style) by Conway Twitty from LP "I Love You More Today". I do have it in MP3 Benitez
• Ross from Independence, Mo This is #155 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 greatest songs.
• Ken from Louisville, Ky One reason people thought CCR was from Louisiana was the song on the flip side of this single, "Born On The Bayou". In fact, CCR had orginally intended that song to be the A-side, but U.S. disc jockeys kept playing "Proud Mary" so often that the record company made it a "double A side" 45, as was sometimes done in the 1960's.
• Rob from Novi, Mi Good job, Cody. It seems to some people that every single song has some hidden meaning. Just listen to the music.
• Kelly from Burbank, Ca Best CCR song. Hands down. Well in my opinion at least. My dad is a really big Credence fan and listens to them a lot, so I got to know them well too. But I always though this was the best one.
• Michael from Toronto, United States I always associated "pumped a lot of pain" with cranking heroin. I think it's great that the good songwriters' lyrics are open to interpretation.
• Johnny from Hilo, Hi i believe the lyric goes "pumped a lot of 'tain', down in new orleans", as opposed to "pumped a lot of 'pain', down in new orleans". it would make more sense that one could pump "tain" ( slang for octane, or gasolene ) at a low paying job, that would be compared to washing dishes. that, i can see being pumped, "pain" on the other hand, not so much.
• Cody from San Antonio, Tx Why does everyone want songs to be about marijuana? Sometimes its not about pot guys. Come on.
• Jude from Db, Ca Trenyce sang this song very well on "American Idol."

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Fallin' Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys got a huge break when Oprah had her perform her debut single "Fallin'" on her show.

White Iverson Post Malone

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Uptown Funk Mark Ronson

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Evening Star Judas Priest

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Pretty Hurts Beyoncé

Sia Furler originally sent "Pretty Hurts" to Katy Perry, but she didn't see the email, so Beyonce ended up recording it instead.

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Jules Shear - "All Through The Night" They're Playing My Song

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Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks Songwriter Interviews

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20/10/2024 Explore the Murray region on a tour with day cruising along the best parts of the river. Call now for $100 off per person!

On Sale 7-Night Cruise or 7-Night Upper Murraylands Cruise on Sale – Save $150 per person – Exclusive Offer

5 Night Proud Mary Cruise PM5

• Secure & Safe Checkout
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$8 per night fuel levy will be charged on board

5 Night Proud Mary Cruise

Embark upon our longer 5 night Murray River indulgence cruise, aboard the intimate cruising vessel, the Proud Mary. Departing every Sunday evening, get ready to indulge your senses as we cast off to explore the Murray River’s eco-system at its finest.

The 5 night indulgence cruise includes all meals. Let our brilliant chefs delight your senses with modern Australian and European cuisine made from the highest quality seasonal produce.

Abundant wildlife and magnificent scenery will be seen throughout your entire stay aboard. River Gums and Willows line the banks of this famous river and provide a perfect safe haven for birds and wildlife. Take in the towering cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches as the Proud Mary idly cruises by. At night, the Proud Mary’s powerful floodlights provide a rare glimpse of nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as night herons, owls and coots.

Lagoon cruises, on shore guided walks, apricot farm + motor museum tour, an Australian themed bush barbeque with live entertainment and the Captain’s Dinner make up some of the highlights of this extravagant 5 night indulgence cruise (more details on cruise highlights below).

For when you choose to retire to the private contemporary ensuite accommodation provided, all cabins onboard feature stunning river views so you can stay immersed in the beauty of nature.

Enjoy a stopover on Kangaroo Island while exploring South Australia, with a Proud Mary cruise and Kangaroo Island tour package .

• Lagoon cruises
• Revolution Motor Museum Tour
• Almond Farm
• Aussie Apricots
• Australian-themed bush barbecue
• Night cruising
• Ecological walks
• Explore ancient archaeological sites
• Live entertainment
• Captain’s Dinner
• All cabins have a private ensuite
• Your choice of double or twin beds
• Air conditioning/heating
• Tea and coffee facilities
• Daily room service

Optional Extras:

• Book coach transfers from Adelaide
• Book car parking at Murray Bridge
• Select a particular cabin or deck

Tour Pricing

All prices are AUD$ per person from:

Additional accommodation pre or post cruise/tour is priced from*, prices will vary depending on season. This will be confirmed when providing a price and will be optional.  

Prices & Dates

Additional information, cruise reviews.

Make your way to the Adelaide Bus Station for your coach transfer or self-drive to Murray Bridge.

7pm  You are welcomed aboard by the friendly Proud Mary crew. Having settled into your comfortable, river-view cabin, you may like to join fellow passengers in the Dining Room & enjoy a drink before a delicious hot supper is served. Proud Mary cruises to its overnight mooring point and your Captain introduces the crew. Cruising the river at night is a magical experience and the Proud Mary’s powerful floodlights illuminate the graceful willows and dark waters as you glide past. This is an excellent opportunity to see the River environment from a completely different perspective and may allow you to view some of the nocturnal wildlife, especially birds such as night herons, owls, and coots.

10:00pm Proud Mary ties up at our overnight mooring, Woodlane, for a night of peace and tranquillity in the Australian bush.

11.30pm  Dining Room is closed.

7am  Dining Room opens. Tea, coffee and continental breakfast available.

8am  Proud Mary departs Woodlane and continues upstream. You will pass huge lagoons teeming with birdlife. During floods, these inland lagoons were so immense that, in the early riverboat days, captains could not find true channels. In the early 1900s, riverboat captains planted willow trees along the banks to clearly mark the main river channel. Today these willows provide the perfect haven for the prolific birdlife.

8-8.45am  This morning you will enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast while cruising through Mypolonga, Caloote and Ponde. Your appetite will be stimulated by the magnificent scenery you’ll pass.

10am  Mid-morning Proud Mary arrives in picturesque Mannum, inhabited prior to white settlement by the Narraltie aboriginal tribe. The name Mannum can be translated as “the place of many ducks”. Here you’ll board a waiting coach for a history tour of this small township that has played a significant role in the development of South Australia. Captain William Randell launched the first paddle steamer, the “Mary Ann”, on the Murray River in 1853. By the late 1880s, there were over 250 paddle steamers and barges trading on the Murray River and Mannum became an industrious inland port. On the tour, you will re-trace the colourful history of several pioneering families whose efforts shaped the successful development of this region. Your tour includes a visit to the Mannum Dock museum in Mannum, where you will find a fascinating collection of historical memorabilia. Mannum is also famous as the site of the production of the first steam car in Australia with a differential, built by the Shearer brothers.

1pm  The vessel departs Mannum. Lunch is served aboard as you cruise upstream past Younghusband, Teal Flat, lovely Lake Carlet, Bowhill, Purnong and onto Walker Flat. The menu may include dishes such as Roast Chicken Maryland vegetables and a wild mushroom sauce or Pork Cutlet with Yam Mash, fabulous flavours to complement the superb scenery gliding by on both sides of the Proud Mary.

6.15pm  Proud Mary moors at Walker Flat. The bird and wildlife here is prolific, including wallabies, wild ducks and bush turkeys. The towering cliffs are superb and provide a majestic backdrop to the tranquillity of cruising Australia’s most famous river. This evening is “Australiana Night” and dinner will feature the use of some traditional bush foods such as emu, kangaroo, damper bread and fresh water crustaceans, with flavours of lemon myrtle, wild bush tomatoes and quandongs. These delicious dishes are created by our resident chefs to showcase Australia’s continually evolving cuisine. You might be offered Tasmanian Scallops with lemon couscous, Pepper Leaf Kangaroo Medallions, Northern Territory Barramundi or a Porterhouse Steak with Bush Tomato chutney. Join our expert ecologist for a Nocturnal Discovery Tour. This tour provides an insight into the abundant local wildlife, including South Australia’s fauna emblem, the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat. These delightful creatures are found only in a limited area on the western side of the river. It’s rare to see them in the wild but you’ll board a coach to take you to their warrens and hopefully you’ll see one or two active in the evening light, as well as other nocturnal wildlife.

7.00am  Proud Mary departs Walker Flat and continues upstream. Dining Room opens. Tea, coffee and continental breakfast available.

8-8.45am  Another hearty breakfast is served while cruising through Wongulla where, some fifty years ago, men found the fossil of a 20 million year old shark. Nildottie and Big Bend townships to follow. There’s something very satisfying about enjoying a good breakfast while you glide by magnificent scenery and Big Bend is famous for its soaring ochre cliffs.

9.15am  A display of souvenirs is available in the Dining Room for you to browse through and purchase.

9.30am  Feeling peckish? Morning Tea is available in the Dining Room. Join the Captain in the Dining Room for a complete run-down on the story of Murray River including its history, current water usage practices and the ecology of this vital water source. You can also watch a video about the famous 1956 floods that devastated the area.

11am  Proud Mary arrives at the pioneering township of Swan Reach. The settlement was originally the port of the large Portee Sheep Station and was settled as a township in 1899. Your local guide will take you to visit the Swan Reach Museum which is housed in the original school building that was built in 1917; the museum’s collection focuses on the history of education and the social history of the area.

12pm  Re-join the Proud Mary for another delicious lunch, whilst moored in the township of Swan Reach

1pm  Proud Mary coach will be waiting ready for your visit Costa Brothers Almond Farm with your local guide. The almond industry is the fastest growing horticulture crop in Australia. Discover how this state of the art almond farm uses water-recycling technology to limit its direct impact on the river system and help secure the diverse ecosystem of the river. From here your guide will take you to Blanchetown, site of the Lock and Weir No 1. The river is dammed by 13 locks built to facilitate the early riverboat trade. Water cascades over the lock creating an excellent feeding place for birdlife. Pelicans and dozens of species of water birds can be seen diving in the water to feed.

4.30pm  Re-board Proud Mary ready to depart Blanchetown and set off for your overnight mooring position at Sugar Shack.

6.30pm   Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner finished off with one of the home-style desserts Proud Mary’s chefs are famous for. Whilst you dine, your evening cruise takes you to your overnight mooring spot of Sugar Shack. Sugar Shack is part of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve which is an astronomer’s paradise. The unpolluted skies and isolation from artificial light sources make the park one of the best places on earth to gaze at the stars. Your Captain will steer closer to the bank this evening so you can take full advantage of the LED floodlights that illuminate the towering river redgums and perhaps watch the possums as they scamper through the branches. The River takes on a wonderfully moody and atmospheric quality at night providing a magical backdrop as you drift by.

7.30pm  Secure at Sugar Shack.

7.45pm  Trivia Night – Let the games begin!

11.30pm  Dining Room closes. Enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by stars and the sounds of the Australian bush.

7am  Dining Room opens. Tea, coffee and continental breakfast is available. This morning you will wake up in one of the most unspoilt and picturesque areas of the River Murray. Make sure you go out on deck to immerse yourself in the surroundings and experience the peace of the riverside environment.

8-8.45am  Another hearty cooked breakfast is available for you, or perhaps you might like a lighter Continental option this morning. The choice is yours, maybe both!?

9am  This morning provides another unique experience with an absorbing ecological walk around Sugar Shack. Here you’ll discover the importance of flood plains to the river system. The history of the area began in 1840, when explorer Edward John Eyre established a village named Sturt after the famous explorer navigator.

9.45am  Proud Mary departs Sugar Shack and cruises downstream towards Swan Reach, passing magnificent lagoons teeming with birdlife, awesome cliffs reaching for the sky and spectacular scenery as far as the eyes can see. Throughout your cruise you can listen to the informative commentary that occurs from time to time about the history of the areas you pass through and the boats that used to work there.

10.45am  We’ll tie up briefly at Swan Reach, a visit to the Arts and Craft shop along with the motor museum. Here you will be able to view an amazing collection of Australian and International vehicles.

1pm  Depart Swan Reach.

1.30pm   Lunch is served, which today may focus on traditional fish and chips, using fresh Australian seafood or, perhaps, the famous 12-hour marinated pork chops.

2.30pm  This afternoon the vessel ties up alongside the towering cliffs of Big Bend, the tallest anywhere along the River. This is a truly majestic landscape providing definite photo opportunities. A highlight of your expedition is a small boat cruise through the lagoons and inlets, led by our expert ecologist. There are some 320 species of birdlife in this area and, with the aid of binoculars and your well-informed guide, you will study at close range the prolific birdlife and wildlife of the region including kangaroos, wombats, emus, echidnas and goannas. Your flat-bottom boat allows you to get right up to the riverside cliffs to see nesting birds and examine the geology of the landscape including the many exposed fossils.

5.30pm  Bar opens on shore.

6.00pm  This evening delivers another rewarding experience… a traditional Aussie barbeque prepared by our chefs and eaten under a canopy of stars amidst the restful sounds of the nearby river. Afterwards, enjoy an evening’s entertainment around a blazing campfire, provided by our resident musician. Request a song and sing along into the night as the stars of the Australian sky hover above, almost close enough to touch.

11.30pm  Dining Room closes. Enjoy another quiet night’s sleep in the tranquil Australian bush.

7am  Dining Room opens. Tea, coffee and breakfast available. Early this morning, the Proud Mary departs Big Bend and heads towards Ngaut Ngaut. Enjoy your breakfast as you watch the sun climb over the towering cliffs, creating marvellous changes of colour in the sandstone and ochre hues.

8.00am  Disembark at Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal conservation site for a tour of one of the oldest archaeological digs in Australia. This is one of the definite highlights of your cruise. Take the boardwalk to the site of ancient aboriginal rock art where your local indigenous guide will explain their meaning and significance. Ngaut Ngaut was a major meeting place for the tribes of the area and you’ll see where they prepared and cooked food at a ceremonial site that dates back thousands of years. The view from the top of the cliffs is astonishing with vistas that stretch for miles in every direction.

10.00am  Depart Ngaut Ngaut.

10.30am  Join your fellow passengers, some of whom will have probably become friends by now, in the Dining Room to view an interesting and informative documentary that traces the Murray River from its source high in the Snowy Mountains right to its entry to the sea in the Coorong. The documentary explains the intricacies of the River environment and why the Murray is one of the great rivers of the world. You’ll learn about Australia’s greatest river landscapes and the people that call the River home while we cruise through Krohns Landing, Sabaruma and Walker Flat.

12.30pm  Lunch is served featuring another of our chefs’ delicious creations which you can enjoy as we cruise through Bowhill, Teal Flat, Younghusband and Pellaring Reach. It’s a wonderfully relaxing afternoon. Time to lay back and enjoy the peace that surrounds you as you watch the changing views glide by.

4.30pm Arrive at Mannum. Take the opportunity to enjoy some free time in this delightful town or rest up ahead of the Captain’s Dinner this evening.

6.15pm  Gather in the Dining Room to enjoy a complimentary champagne or cocktail prior to dinner.

6.45pm  The culinary highlight of your cruise is the silver service Captain’s Dinner, a five-course menu of choice featuring mouth-watering dishes based on modern Australian cuisine. Enjoy the food, wine and atmosphere with your fellow passengers as the Captain visits every table and chats. It’s a chance to dress up a little and enjoy a gorgeous formal dinner.

11.30pm  Dining Room closes.

8am  Depart Mannum. Cruise through Ponde, Caloote and Wall Flat to Woodlane.

8.30am  Enjoy another magnificent cooked breakfast this morning as you prepare to visit the Mypolonga region, consisting of Aussie Apricots, Revolution Motor Museum and the historic Mypolonga area school.

10.00am  Arrive at Woodlane to board the waiting coach for your tour of the historic Mypolonga Area School. Mypolonga is a small rural school situated close to the banks of the Murray River between Murray Bridge and Mannum, with around 140 students. This school presents students and staff with views of farming lands, orchards, vineyards, the beautiful river red gums which line the river and the ochre coloured cliffs which glow in the afternoon light.

11.00am  Arrive at Aussie Apricots and discover a 3rd generation family run orchard. The orchard is on the beautiful River Murray at Mypolonga about 15km’s from Murray Bridge. They grow, hand pick & cut the fruit by hand & machine. We sun dry all of our fruit & then the apricots are sized when dry. When the apricots are required we wash & hand process the apricots into confectionary, jams & chutneys.

11.30am  Rev your Engines! Right next to the Apricot farm is the Revolution Motor Museum where you will be taken on a private tour to see a wide range of American Muscle Cars, Bikes and stationery engines all on display. This museum has South Australia first registered taxi and is filled with history and beauty, a must for all to see.

1pm Return to Proud Mary and enjoy another delicious lunch as you depart Woodlane and cruise through Mypolonga, Sunnyside, Mundurra and Willowbanks.

4pm  Tie up at Murray Bridge. We say goodbye and thank you for joining us on this exploration of the Murray River and we hope we might see you again in the future to enjoy another relaxing and immersing holiday along Australia’s greatest river.

From Murray Bridge you can either return to Adelaide via coach transfers or make your own way home.

* Note: sometimes activities may be subject to change without notice.

* All river view rooms have a private ensuite, double or twin beds, air-conditioning/heating, and tea and coffee facilities. You will then need to make your way back to Adelaide (either coach transfer or garaging).

About the cruises

Operating two, five-night and special event cruises 365 days of a year, departing from and returning to Murray Bridge, just 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Adelaide, the Proud Mary caters for a maximum of only 36 passengers. This boutique product provides the ideal environment for passengers to explore, experience, indulge and discover the Murray River. The well-appointed bar, lounge and dining area provide the perfect location for indulging in the culinary delights of the resident chef, while viewing the passing Australian scenery.

Australia’s River Murray is one of the world’s legendary rivers, in fact, the fourth longest river system in the world. Mysterious, massive and meandering 3,700 kilometres, it ranks with the Mississippi, the Nile and the Amazon. Boasting some of the most spectacular and rugged Australian landscapes, the River Murray is home to an array of abundant wildlife and bird life. It is aboard your intimate cruising that you can discover the River Murray’s ecosystem at its best.

This boat boasts 18 spacious river-view cabins that have been renovated, a lounge, a dining area, and well-appointed bar.

Order a drink and venture out onto the boat’s spacious open decks or enjoy the intimate lounge and dining area. The captain’s commentary may spark an interest to peruse the vessel’s resource centre and learn more from one of the many books available. You may like to enjoy a cuppa from the continuous tea and coffee available in the dining room or browse the souvenirs available for purchase.

Explore at your leisure any of the spectacular mooring locations; enjoy a walk through the bushland or discover the backwaters in one of the available canoes. For those who like a spot of fishing, reels, and bait are available, simply ask one of the crew.

Wi-Fi is available on board. 350MB is free and then the cost is $10 per 1GB. Service can vary along the river.

Your boat boasts 18 spacious river-view cabins. With only one room type, each cabin has twin or double beds, individually controlled air conditioning units, private en-suite. tea & coffee making facilities and hair dryers. Each cabin is approximately 9 square meters and the ensuite is 2.5 square metres. All rooms offer spectacular river views and open onto balcony areas. Cabins are serviced twice daily.

Cabin Selection – Although all cabins are lovely, en-suite, outside cabins with a river view, some passengers may prefer a cabin on the View Deck (middle deck) for easy access. Other passengers may like the Sun Deck (top deck) as it is a little quieter. We are happy to request the deck of your choice, however, a surcharge applies per cabin per night will be applied for all cabin requests. Cabin requests are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. View the deck plan.

This cruise boat is a boutique vessel providing an intimate and friendly atmosphere, offering a true insight into South Australia’s Outback. A modern vessel built to provide the ideal way to experience Australia’s most famous river, The River Murray. Accommodating only 36 passengers in deluxe river view cabins, the boat provides a unique nature-based experience with a touch of luxury.

The vessel, originally designed by Mr Peter James, a Naval Architect was built in Berri, South Australia on the banks of the River Murray, by the Berri Ship building company in 1982. Purpose-built with a shallow draft, allowing the vessel to safely navigate shallow sections of the river. The original style of the vessel was taken from the Mississippi River cruisers.

The first cruise was in August 1982 from Murray Bridge in South Australia. The proprietors have owned & operated the vessel since it was built and has been refurbished on a periodical basis since 1982. The vessel produces its own power from onboard generators and wastewater is stored onboard and then removed when in port in accordance with environmental guidelines.

Fuel Levy Cost From 1 April 2023 a fuel levy of $8 per person per night will be added to each customer’s onboard account payable upon the completion of the cruise.

Cabins All Cabins have a private ensuite, double or twin beds (your choice), air conditioning/heating, and tea and coffee facilities. If you would like to select a particular cabin of deck you can, for an additional $40 per day. Wi-Fi is available onboard. 350MB is free and then the cost is $10 per 1GB . Service can vary along the river. View the deck plan.

Passengers travelling by coach The ‘Proud Mary’ Coach departs from the Adelaide Central Bus Station (Bay 2) at 85 Franklin Street at 6.00 pm sharp (please check-in by 5.30 pm at Bay 2), arriving at Clark Street Car Park, Murray Bridge at 7.00 pm. Please note due to new coach terminal regulations the coach must leave on time. Should you be unable to make the departure time, alternative arrangements to get to Murray Bridge will have to be made. On the completion of your cruise, you will be collected from Clark Street Car Park, Murray Bridge by the ‘Proud Mary’ coach at approximately 4.00 pm for your transfer to Adelaide Central Bus Station where you will arrive at approximately 5.30 pm.

Passengers garaging your car Please make your own way to Clark Street Car Park, Murray Bridge at 7:00 pm. Upon arrival, the Proud Mary Crew will advise as to the garaging of your vehicle.

Travelling from Adelaide Take the South Eastern Freeway out of Adelaide to the first Murray Bridge exit. Carry on into Murray Bridge and turn right after the third set of traffic lights. This is East Street with the Bridge Port Hotel on the corner. Turn left onto Olympic Drive, left onto Wharf Road, and slightly left onto Clark Street leading to the Clark Street public car park.

Travelling from the Eastern States After traveling through Tailem Bend take the Murray Bridge exit and continue onto the township over the bridge. Take the first left once off the bridge. This is East Street with the Bridge Port Hotel on the corner. Turn left onto Olympic Drive, left onto Wharf Road, and slightly left onto Clark Street leading to the Clark Street public car park.

Booking Terms and Conditions Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Please review the  full Terms and Conditions  and  Schedule of Fees  prior to making a booking.

Supplier Terms and Conditions Cancellation Summary: Full payment is required 120 days from departure Cancellation under 120 days but more than 91 days from travel – loss of 50% of the package cost. Cancellation under 90 days from travel – loss of full package cost.

Great way to experience the Murray. We went on the 2 night trip that leaves on Friday at 7pm from Murray Bridge and returns Sunday at 4pm. This is a great way to experience the river as there is plenty of time to sit on the back deck under cover or at the front of the boat to watch the river go by. They also include a small boat tour along the cliffs on Saturday afternoon and bird watching and a trip to the Mannum waterfalls on a bus on Sunday. On Saturday morning you get around 2 hours to wander in Mannum which has some interesting buildings and shops. Saturday night they provide a BBQ on the banks of the river plus a band that sings for a couple of hours. Our airconditioned cabin was very nice with everything that you need – it can be a bit tight in the bathroom/shower area. The meals were good but you all get served the same meal even for breakfast (due to COVID and no serve yourself). They do cater for different dietary requirements though. We had 30 on our trip so its not crowded and you get to chat to most of the guests. The stairs are quite narrow and so you have to be careful getting around. David R

5 night river cruise. This is an interesting and relaxing cruise. Fantastic friendly and attentive service, a nothing is too much trouble approach. Courtney and Karen are perfect hosts. Julien and Bertrand outstanding French Chefs – every meal was above and beyond! Peter the captain can drive a boat, guide a tour and do a pretty good stand up routine, all simultaneously. Steve the engineer was absolutely tireless. Michael the coach driver and guide was amusing and had a wealth of knowledge about the river. The excursions were of real interest and everything ran like clockwork. The cabins are smallish , but with ample storage, en-suites are great. Bar drinks are very reasonably priced. My only suggestion would be for some more comfortable seating on the top deck. anncar0

The Magical Mysterious Murray. My wife and I went on the 5-night river cruise on the Proud Mary. Forget European River cruises. You will not have a better cruising experience anywhere. We were 2 of 36 passengers. That means no crowds, personalised attention, and it’s in Australia. You have all seen hordes of people disgorge from boats at scenic sights in Europe. Forget all that. This is boutique cruising at its best. You will see spectacular scenery, have fabulous food with superb service, excellent excursions, calm cruising at a pleasant pace, and commentary. The Murray is an astonishing surprise packet. You’ll be amazed by Big Bend, Ngaut Ngaut, the orchards, the feeding pelicans, and the tranquillity. So much tranquillity. While you are there eat at the Murray Bridge River Cafe with its excellent food and service. Peter

5 night indulgence. Very enjoyable. Everything from the crew, rooms, dining were A+ could not fault the trip Have read reviews re noise but our cabin was on the top deck so very quiet. Range of activities was enjoyable. rose17

Proud Mary Cruises coach transfers depart from the Central Bus Station in Adelaide and not at individual hotels.

These are available to and from Murray Bridge at the small cost of $55 each way ($110 return).

The coach departs from the Adelaide Central bus station, 85 Franklin Street.

Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. Coach transfer need to be prebooked.

• Friday and Sunday coach departure times from Adelaide for cruises departing from Murray Bridge – 6:00pm
• Friday and Sunday coach arrival times into Adelaide for cruises disembarking in Murray Bridge – 5:45pm

The ships crews do not include a doctor, however the ship’s Officers are trained in First Aid. There is no pharmacy onboard. Please ensure you bring adequate prescription medicines you may require.

• Can we swim in the river? Yes. If you wish to swim in the river please seek advise from one of the deck staff as to the easiest and safest method of doing so.

For your convenience valuables may be lodged with the Captain for safe keeping in the Captain’s safe. The company accepts no liability.

Rain or shine, waters on the Murray always make for smooth sailing. As a guide, expected seasonal temperatures range from 16-35 degrees Celsius during summer and 6-17 degrees Celsius during winter.

Smoking is only permitted in the areas designated for smoking, such as the rear deck. As a courtesy to your fellow passengers please refrain from smoking pipes and cigars. Cigarettes are not sold onboard.

The ships electricity is AC 240 volts 50 cycle (standard electrical power used in Australia). Hairdryers are provided on the cruises, how ever you are welcome to bring your own shavers and hairdryers if you wish.

During the day, sportswear and casual clothes are suggested. We kindly ask that you do not wear bathing suits, singlets or brief attire in public rooms and lounges, especially in the Dining Room. Footwear is requested in both the Dining Room and Lounges. During the evening smart casual wear is recommended – an open neck shirt and slacks for gentlemen and a dress, skirt and blouse or pants outfit for the ladies. At the Captains Dinner on the final night of the cruise, a jacket and tie would not be out of place for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or pants outfit for the ladies. Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses and good sun blocks. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes and tennis shoes are most suitable on deck and for shore excursions.

Baggage is limited to what you can stow in your cabins, so you would be advised not to over pack. All bags must be clearly labelled with your name. Bags have to be handled by crew and we would appreciate a weight limit of 15 kg.

• We have a special occasion to celebrate, what can you do for us? You may want to order a cake, champagne or make some other celebratory arrangement for that special occasion. Please give two weeks notice before sailing.

Once we leave the wharf these ships cannot obtain additional supplies or medicines. Special requests or dietary requirements must be advised to your booking agent as early as possible. Upon boarding please consult with your Cruise Director. Please also ensure you bring any prescription medication you may need.

The following information is required at check-in: – Photo identification for each passenger (drivers license or passport) – Your cruise confirmation number (located on your e-ticket) – Your credit card (as security against your onboard Cabin account)

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The Proud Mary is a purpose built riverboat, designed to provide a restful and relaxing haven from which you can discover the beauty and fascination of the fourth longest river system in the world. Their 2 and 5 night cruises operate 365 days a year and include all meals, river-view en-suite accommodation and daily nature-based shore excursions.

There are just 18 cabins on board the Proud Mary which ensures you receive the best of personal service yet have the opportunity to meet and make friends with fellow passengers.

Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this unique part of Australia, all cruises are fully inclusive of all meals prepared by resident chef, ensuite cabins, daily shore excursions, live entertainment and much, much more.

The Mythical Meaning Behind “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner

Glenn Rowley

Updated: 

“Listen to the story now…” With those five words, Tina Turner invited listeners in 1971 to sit back, buckle up, and experience the rock and roll tale of “Proud Mary.”

Videos by American Songwriter

Left a good job in the city/ Workin’ for the man every night and day/ And I never lost one minute of sleepin’/ Worryin’ ‘bout the way that things might’ve been,” she sings over the teasing vamp of a guitar before launching into the song’s famous chorus of “Big wheel keep on turnin’/ Proud Mary keep on burnin’/ And we’re rollin’/ Rollin’ yeah/ Rollin’ on the river, complete with its signature, arm-waving choreography.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Two years before Turner unveiled her indelible take on the “Proud Mary,” Creedence Clearwater Revival released the original 1969 version as the lead single off their sophomore album, Bayou Country . The song was something of a breakthrough hit for the quartet — though their earlier single “Suzie Q” had peaked just outside the top 10, “Proud Mary” became Creedence Clearwater Revival’s first of five eventual singles to land at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

CCR’s take on “Proud Mary” stuck to its rootsy origins as frontman John Fogerty spun the tale of hitching a ride on the riverboat queen. Turner, however, injected a propulsive dose of soul into the proceedings, pushing “Proud Mary” from “nice and easy” in the spoken word intro to a rough and wild finish — her powerful voice holding the horns, percussion, bass, guitar and more together as the song barrelled to its explosively joyful conclusion.

The song inevitably became as synonymous with Turner and her legacy as, say, “Nutbush City Limits,” “River Deep, Mountain High” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” And though dozens of big-voiced artists and reality TV hopefuls would attempt to cover “Proud Mary” in the intervening years, no one could ever hope to match the intensity, attitude, and pure magic of her interpretation.

The Meaning of the Lyrics

But what are the barn-storming lyrics to “Proud Mary” actually about? For that answer, we have to go back to Creedence Clearwater Revival and the song’s original author: John Fogerty.

Many fans may assume upon first or second listen to Turner’s famous recording that “Proud Mary” tells the story of a struggling, low-wage worker actually named Mary. Or, given CCR’s place within the counterculture movement of its time, that it’s a thinly veiled reference to marijuana. But only the former would be partly correct.

When constructing the song, Fogerty found inspiration in bits of different ditties he was already toying with in his notebook. In the liner notes of the 40th anniversary edition of Bayou Country , writer Joel Selvin explains that the singer-songwriter had , in fact, been working on an idea about a washerwoman named Mary in addition to multiple other songs.

“He began to link the songs he was writing to a mythical Deep South,” Selvin wrote, “a South this California kid had never seen, but could only imagine. It was a deceptively simple set of material. In addition to the three major pieces [in his notebook], Fogerty also had a couple of suitable blues and a concert rouser under his belt…and his ripping Little Richard impression was well-practiced.”

In a 2020 interview with American Songwriter , Fogerty proudly described writing “Proud Mary” as “that moment when songwriting truly started for me.” According to the rocker, the idea for the song’s title and first line came to him shortly after he’d been honorably discharged from the U.S. Army National Guard in the summer of 1968.

“I was overjoyed,” he said of receiving the official paperwork marking the end of his time in the Army, according to a transcript of a 1993 sit-down with Rolling Stone . “Holy hallelujah! I actually went out on the little apartment building lawn and did a couple of cartwheels…That’s where ‘Left a good job in the city’ comes from. I just felt real good.”

Amid the tumult of that pivotal year in American history, Fogerty set out to get serious about his craft. “What happened played out over a period of several months,” he continued. “I decided to get it together and be professional and get a little more organized. So, I went through that energy of going out and buying a little binder and putting paper in it, and bringing it home and saying, ‘ This is my songbook !’

“And my first entry into it was a title. ‘Proud Mary.’ I didn’t know what it was.”

Fogerty and his bandmates — rhythm guitarist Tim Fogerty (his elder brother), bassist Stu Cook, and drummer Doug Clifford — released their self-titled debut album that same July, and when it came time to work on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s follow-up, the frontman turned back to his notebook. 

“Months and months later, being on the bridge of this thing coming out of me, I went back to my book, and looking at the first entry and then realizing, that’s it! It’s about a boat !” he said in 2020.

Though a real riverboat called the Proud Mary had yet to exist (one would eventually be built in 1981), Fogerty envisioned the titular “riverboat queen” making its trips up and down the giant waterway of what’s presumably the Mississippi River, all the while offering up a slice-of-life view at America’s heartland.

“Although I didn’t recall it at the time when I was doing ‘Rollin’ on the river,’ there is an old Will Rogers movie about these old paddle wheelers, and I believe at one point they actually sing, ‘Rolling on the river,’ he said. “I know that buried deep inside me are all these little bits and pieces of Americana. It’s deep in my heart, deep in my soul. As I learned in English 101, write about what you know about.”

It’s fair to say that the meaning behind “Proud Mary” could seem rather inscrutable at times based on how Fogerty cobbled the narrative throughline together from various sources. However, he distilled the song down to its essence just a few years ago in yet another sit-down with Rolling Stone .

“I wrote the song about a mythical riverboat, cruising on a mythical river, in a mythical time,” Fogerty concluded in 2018. “Perhaps the setting was ‘back in time’ on the Mississippi River. It was obviously a metaphor about leaving painful, stressful things behind for a more tranquil and meaningful life.”

Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images

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