Meaning of "Bad Moon Rising" by Emmylou Harris

"Bad Moon Rising" by John Fogerty, as covered by Emmylou Harris, conveys a sense of impending doom and chaos, with the recurrent refrain of a "bad moon on the rise" serving as a foreboding warning of difficult times ahead. The imagery of earthquakes, hurricanes, and overflowing rivers paints a picture of natural disasters and upheaval, while the mention of "the end is comin' soon" alludes to a sense of impending apocalypse or reckoning. The lyrics also touch on themes of accountability and retribution, with the line "One eye is taken for an eye" suggesting a cycle of revenge and karmic justice. Overall, the song serves as a cautionary tale to be vigilant, prepared, and mindful of the signs of impending trouble, whether literal or metaphorical.