As the presenter of Inside Music on Radio 3 last Saturday pointed out, there is a tension between the apocalyptic words of Credence Clearwater Revival’s Bad Moon Rising and the upbeat, positive music; what my son would call a “banger”. Pessimism of the lyrics, optimism of the rhythm, as Gramsci didn’t say.

This could almost be a metaphor or theme tune for the Climate Movement. The analysis and the prospects are dire, but the movement concentrates all the life and hope that humanity has.

Pessimism of the lyrics, optimism of the rhythm, as Gramsci didn’t say.

Bad Moon Rising

I see the bad moon a-rising
I see trouble on the way
I see earthquakes and lightning
I see bad times today

Don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

I hear hurricanes a-blowing
I know the end is coming soon
I fear rivers overflowing
I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

All right

Hope you got your things together
Hope you are quite prepared to die
Looks like we’re in for nasty weather
One eye is taken for an eye

Well, don’t go around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

Don’t come around tonight
Well, it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise.

Now listen to it and try not to dance and smile, right from the off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUQiUFZ5RDw