The Wall
Background
"The Wall" is the B-side of “Rockin' All Over the World”, the first 45 rpm single John Fogerty released in 1975 after signing with Asylum Records. The song was recorded at Wally Heider Recording in San Francisco and engineered by David Coffin. Fogerty plays all the instruments by himself. The single was released in September 1975. "The Wall" didn't chart. The tune also appeared on the John Fogerty album.
"The Wall" is a one-chord, bluesy swamp rocker that could be good enough for a cousin of "Run Through the Jungle". Fogerty uses biblical and apocalyptic imagery to describe US politics, the Watergate scandal and the resignation of President Nixon. At the time in 1974 when it took place, Fogerty used to just walk home singing to himself "Throw the man out and start all over again" (interview with John Fogerty, KSAN, San Francisco, October 18th, 1975).
Collector's notes
The single was released with different cover sleeves in Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The US version didn't have a cover sleeve (Peter Koers, Green River: The Illustrated Discography, 1999).
The John Fogerty album is only available as an imported item in the USA.
The photo on the cover sleeve of the German and Spanish prints of the single was also used on the cover of the tour book and concert posters of the John Fogerty Long Road Home Tour in 2006.
Live versions
Fans have eagerly waited for John Fogerty to perform "The Wall" in concerts but so far he hasn't played the song in front of the live audience.
Critical reception
"This is by far the rawest song on the album, and the one that reminds me most of Creedence - particularly Bayou Country tunes. It would fit in perfectly on that record, especially with Fogerty's gravelly voice, the gloomy lyrics, and the all-too-brief harmonica break in the middle. One of the best tunes on the album, but like I said before, they're all excellent." -Matt Loewen
Fans' views
"Another Shep song that I love. Classic JF E chord song that up until this latest tour [2004] was the last time he had played harmonica on a song."
Written by John Fogerty.
Recorded at Wally Heider Recording, San Francisco, CA, USA, in 1975.
Appears on the "Rockin' All Over the World" b/w "The Wall" single and the John Fogerty album.
Released in September 1975 (single) and October 1975 (album).