You better learn it fast; you better learn it young,
‘Cause, “Someday” Never Comes.”

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Someday Never Comes” has a bit of a Carpe Diem theme. For example, “do something today, because if you keep saying you will do something ‘someday’ it will never happen”. There is also a bit of bitterness in the title—a literal interpretation. As in, someday never comes—you’ll never understand why such and such happened when you were younger even though you are told as a kid “don’t worry, some day you’ll understand.” Someday never comes.

Creedence has a very signature sound. Their sound is not so much unique, but it is so recognizably theirs. It is not just Fogerty’s vocals–the sound of their guitars and instruments seem to blend to create a somewhat “riverboat” or “woodsy” or country-ish sound. (I am not sure why I use these words to describe it). This sound pervades all their music and we can hear it in “Someday Never Comes” as well.

Their sound lends itself well to songs about protests and songs that give life lessons. They sound like they’ve lived and they have advice to share.

Lyrics Someday Never Comes

First thing I remember
Was asking Papa, “Why?”
For there were many things I didn’t know
And Daddy always smiled
Took me by the hand
Saying, “Someday you’ll understand”

Well, I’m here to tell you now each and every mother’s son
You better learn it fast, you better learn it young
‘Cause someday never comes

The time and tears went by
And I collected dust
For there were many things I didn’t know
When Daddy went away
He said, “Try to be a man
And someday you’ll understand”

But I’m here to tell you now each and every mother’s son
You better learn it fast, you better learn it young
‘Cause someday never comes

And then one day in April
I wasn’t even there
For there were many things I didn’t know
A son was born to me
Mama held his hand
Saying, “Someday you’ll understand”

Well, I’m here to tell you now each and every mother’s son
You better learn it fast, you better learn it young
‘Cause someday never comes
Ooh, someday never comes

Think it was September
The year I went away
For there were many things I didn’t know
And I still see him standin’
Tryin’ to be a man
I said, “Someday you’ll understand”

But I’m here to tell you now each and every mother’s son
You better learn it fast, you better learn it young
‘Cause someday never comes
Ooh, someday never comes

written by Fogerty