Long As I Can See The Light

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful sounds of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Long As I Can See The Light” from their iconic 1970 album Cosmo’s Factory, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This track, a standout on the album, was released as the B-side to “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” and became a fan favorite despite never being performed live by the band. According to John Fogerty, the song’s lead songwriter and vocalist, it’s a deeply personal piece about his inner loner, yearning for connection and guidance from home, with lyrics evoking a comforting, elegiac tone. The song’s soulful groove, complete with Fogerty’s emotive vocals and subtle saxophone work, gives it a distinct Otis Redding flavor, which landed it on soul station playlists. Interestingly, a 2020 fan-generated video for the song, created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cosmo’s Factory, featured heartfelt submissions from fans worldwide, showcasing memories with their fathers and “guiding lights” in honor of Father’s Day, highlighting the song’s universal emotional resonance.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s chart performance and cultural impact. As noted in a 2023 post by John Fogerty on X, “Long As I Can See The Light” reached number 57 on the Cash Box singles chart in the U.S., climbed to number 20 in the UK, and hit number one in Norway, showing its global appeal. The track’s laid-back yet poignant vibe closes Cosmo’s Factory on a reflective note, contrasting the album’s high-energy rockers like “Travelin’ Band” and “Run Through The Jungle.” Fans on platforms like the Creedence Clearwater Revival Fan Club on Facebook often cite its raw emotion and gospel-like quality as reasons it remains a timeless piece, with some calling it a “spiritual journey in three minutes.”

Creedence Clearwater Revival, often called CCR, began their journey in El Cerrito, California, as a group of high school friends in the late 1950s. John Fogerty (lead vocals, guitar), his brother Tom Fogerty (rhythm guitar), Stu Cook (bass), and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford (drums) started as The Blue Velvets, playing covers and instrumentals at local gigs. In 1964, they signed with Fantasy Records, a jazz label, and were renamed The Golliwogs by label co-owner Max Weiss to capitalize on the British Invasion trend. The name didn’t stick, and their early singles gained little traction. In 1966, John Fogerty and Doug Clifford were drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces, with Fogerty’s time in the Army Reserves shaping his creative and political outlook, influencing songs like “Fortunate Son.” By 1967, with new management at Fantasy, the band rebranded as Creedence Clearwater Revival, drawing their name from a friend’s name (Credence Newball), a beer commercial (“clear water”), and their renewed commitment (“revival”). Their 1968 debut album, featuring a cover of “Suzie Q,” caught AM radio attention, and their unique swamp rock sound—blending R&B, blues, country, and rockabilly—set them apart from the psychedelic Bay Area scene.

CCR’s rise was meteoric. In 1969, they released three major albums, headlined Woodstock, and outsold The Beatles, a feat that cemented their status as America’s top rock band. Their relentless work ethic, driven by John Fogerty’s vision, led to Cosmo’s Factory in 1970, their commercial peak, topping charts in six countries. Despite internal tensions, with Tom Fogerty leaving by late 1970 due to John’s dominant control, CCR’s music endures with a multigenerational fanbase. Fans can connect with the band’s legacy on their official website at creedence-revisited.com, follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or join discussions at fan communities like the Creedence Clearwater Revival Fan Club on Facebook or the Creedence Clearwater Revival Wiki. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep the CCR spirit alive by diving into these vibrant online spaces.