Effigy

Background

“Effigy” finishes the B-side of the Willy and the Poor Boys album by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The 6-minute composition is a commentary about the political environment of the late 60's. The lyrics refer to the old practice of burning likenesses of community figures or leaders to express displeasure. The phrase "silent majority" was most likely borrowed from labor leader George Meany who in 1967 asserted that those labour unionists (such as himself) who supported the Vietnam War were "the vast, silent majority in the nation"  or vice-president candidate Spiro Agnew who said "It is time for America's silent majority to stand up for its rights ---" on May 9, 1969.

It took 2-3 years for John Fogerty to assemble the song. He had the idea for "Effigy" already in 1967 (Ralph L. Gleason, Interview with John Fogerty, The Rolling Stone, February 21st, 1970). The song also illustrates John' Fogerty's affinity for "spooky"-themed songs.

"Effigy" has a number of classic Fogerty trademarks in the arrangement, but one seldom used is the use of a harmony vocal track throughout the entire song behind the lead vocal, using his own voice. The song drips with angst and emotion, nowhere more so that in the passionate guitar solo passages, which again feature Fogerty harmonising with himself at times via a second guitar track. A true tour-de-force to close a classic Creedence album.

Live versions

Creedence Clearwater never performed the song in concerts. Neither has John Fogerty played it during his solo career.   

When someone called for "Effigy" in the John Fogerty concert at the House of Blues in Chicago on May 28, 1997, he said, "I'm just not that angry anymore." (Dave Joens).

Critical reception

"--- another political song whose lyrics aren't quite as good as the previously recorded "Bad Moon Rising," but whose catchy circular chord progression concludes the album on a can't-get-out-of-your-head note." --Ed Ward, liner notes of the 1989 CD release of Willy and the Poor Boys.

""Effigy" is the other politically charged song on the album. It is more downcast and haunting than Fortunate Son is. The main guitar riff has a wonderful surprise that makes me smile every time I hear it. It seems to be a normal chord progression until out of nowhere a louder note gives the riff dissonance. It makes the riff more memorable and fits the mood of the song melodically and lyrically." - Jimmy, Sputnik Music, April 19th, 2006. 

"It [Effigy] sounds more like the music coming out of the San Francisco scene at the time. The tone of John’s guitar is more ragged-sounding, like Neil Young, and Doug’s drums are more prominent. The lyrics tell a very interesting tale of revolution. It’s my favorite discovery." -Gordon S. Miller, Blogcritics, November 5th, 2008. 

"Regardless of the true meaning, the song itself sounds eerie and, despite limited lyrics, is able to stretch out its themes over six minutes. The minor key blues, the sparse twang of the bass, and Fogerty’s blistering guitar solos all contribute to an atmosphere that is haunting, probably more so than any other Fogerty song. Though “Effigy” is quite a departure from the rest of the album (which also contains “Down on the Corner,” “Fortunate Son,” and “The Midnight Special”), it is a rich piece that reflects that turbulent time and yet still unsettles listeners today." -Jerry Dynes, Blogcritics, March 5th, 2010. 

"One of John Fogerty's most haunting numbers." -Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide. 

"Epic album-closer warning of revolution and apocalypse with savagely exciting guitar solo from Fogerty." -Uncut, February 2012.

Fans'  views

"Learn to play "Effigy" on the guitar and the first time you pluck that low E it will be your favorite, too."

"It's basically everything that sucked in the 60's, put in a strange metaphorical way, and it totally rocks!"

"Is a complicated, yet simple masterpiece of John Fogerty's work."

"A lost classic.  Again, Fogerty proves his genius of matching lyrical meaning with musical mood - the guitar work here is so hauntingly expressive.  And while this song is clearly political, it is much less overtly so than other such Fogerty compositions, which makes it even more timeless."

"The most mysterious of them all."

Legacy

Ultimate Classic Rock named Effigy the third best John Fogerty lyrics.

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