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“The Battle of New Orleans” – Johnny Horton (1959)

“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

The 1815 Battle of New Orleans was a pivotal moment in American history. Jimmy Driftwood’s composition, “The Battle of New Orleans,” transforms this historic event into a vibrant musical narrative, allowing listeners to experience the past through song.

About The Composition

  • Title: The Battle of New Orleans
  • Composer: Jimmy Driftwood
  • Premiere Date: 1959
  • Album/Opus/Collection: Appears on various albums including those by Jimmy Driftwood and Johnny Horton
  • Genre: Country, American folk

Background

Jimmy Driftwood, originally a history teacher, crafted “The Battle of New Orleans” to make the learning of history more appealing to his students. The song succinctly captures the essence of the battle, a decisive American victory during the War of 1812. It gained widespread popularity through Johnny Horton’s 1959 recording, which became a chart-topping hit and won a Grammy Award.

Musical Style

The song employs a lively, upbeat tempo characteristic of folk music. The instrumentation is simple yet effective, featuring strings and percussion that evoke the spirit of the early 19th century battlefield.

Lyrics/Libretto

The lyrics serve as a playful recount of the battle, emphasizing themes of cunning and bravery. Driftwood’s choice of words paints a vivid picture of the battle scene, making it accessible and engaging for all ages.

Performance History

After its release, Johnny Horton’s version quickly became a hit, topping the Billboard charts and becoming an integral part of America’s musical landscape. It has been performed by numerous artists over the decades.

Cultural Impact

The song has had a considerable impact on American culture, often used in educational settings and patriotic events. It has also influenced other musical works and remains a favorite in folk and country music circles.

Legacy

“The Battle of New Orleans” continues to be an important piece in the folk music genre, celebrated for its historical significance and musical ingenuity. It is a staple in the repertoire of American folk music and a beloved piece among historians and music enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

Exploring “The Battle of New Orleans” offers insights into both American history and the art of musical storytelling. For those interested in a deeper understanding, Johnny Horton’s version remains a definitive recording, capturing the essence of this historic song.

Video

Lyrics

In 1814 we took a little trip
Along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip’
We took a little bacon and we took a little beans
And we caught the bloody British in the town of New Orleans
We fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’
There wasn’t as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin’
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
We looked down a river and we see’d the British come
And there must have been a hundred of ’em beatin’ on the drum
They stepped so high and they made their bugles ring
We stood behind our cotton bales and didn’t say a thing
We fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’
There wasn’t as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin’
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
Old Hickory said, “We could take ’em by surprise
If we didn’t fire our muskets ’til we looked ’em in the eye”
We held our fire ’til we see’d their faces well
Then we opened up our squirrel guns and gave ’em
Well, we fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’
There wasn’t as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin’
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
Yeah, they ran through the briers and they ran through the brambles
And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn’t go
They ran so fast that the hounds couldn’t catch ’em
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
We fired our cannon ’til the barrel melted down
So we grabbed an alligator and we fought another round
We filled his head with cannonballs ‘n’ powdered his behind
And when we touched the powder off, the gator lost his mind
We fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’
There wasn’t as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they began to runnin’
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
Yeah, they ran through the briers and they ran through the brambles
And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn’t go
They ran so fast that the hounds couldn’t catch ’em
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
Hut, two, three, four
Sound off, three, four
Hut, two, three, four
Sound off, three, four
Hut, two, three, four
Hut, two, three, four

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