This Busker Nails a Rendition of CCR’s ‘Fortunate Son’

This busker nails a rendition of CCR’s “Fortunate Son,” and you are going to want to hear it. It’s incredible to see such a young soul with so much talent. Watch the video to see the busker perform. 

Dublin resident Rhys McPhillips is an absolutely incredible guitar player. He hits every chord of the song perfectly—and it’s no easy song to play. You can tell the teen has a hardcore love for Creedence Clearwater Revival. 

The 16-year-old musician has a natural warmth as he talks to the crowd and draws them in not just with his music but with his personality. 

“John Fogerty is one of the best songwriters of the 20th century,” he says before he launches into “Fortunate Son.”

Some of the lyrics Rhys sings are: 

Yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyes
Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord
And when you ask 'em, "How much should we give?"
Ooh, they only answer, "More, more, more, more"

Rhys is full of enthusiasm for the song. And his presence carries through the whole street. Some people pause to listen, but it’s remarkable to see anyone walking by without paying him attention, because his skills are beyond remarkable. If CCR’s John Fogerty could hear Rhys, I’m sure he’d be proud. 

Rhys pours raw emotion and passion into every note. His voice harnesses a rebellious tone that matches the CCR original well. The performance doesn’t feel rehearsed—it feels like you’re witnessing raw skill. There's electricity there that you can almost touch.

And it isn’t just a song being performed. It’s a story that’s unfolding, and Rhys knows that. You can tell that he chooses his songs not just for their sound but for their message. 

One thing is for sure. This young man has a bright future ahead of him as an artist!