ABOUT THIS SONG
“The Battle of New Orleans,” a rollicking folk song by Johnny Horton, catapulted to the top of the charts in the late 1950s, offering a spirited musical journey through history. With its infectious melody and vivid storytelling, the song paints a lively picture of the historic clash between British and American forces in 1815.
Horton’s distinctive voice and energetic delivery breathe life into the narrative, as he recounts the exploits of the sharpshooting hero, Andrew Jackson. The twang of the guitar and the foot-stomping rhythm create a toe-tapping, knee-slapping anthem that captures the essence of American folk traditions.
The lyrics of “The Battle of New Orleans” unfold like a lively yarn, blending humor with historical events. Horton’s storytelling prowess transforms the battle into a vivid spectacle, where alligators, gunpowder, and American grit converge in a musical saga that resonates with listeners of all ages.
The song’s chorus, punctuated by enthusiastic “Yeah, yeah, yeah” chants, becomes a rallying cry that echoes the resilience of the American spirit. It’s a celebration of victory, a testament to the indomitable will of those who stood firm in the face of adversity.
“The Battle of New Orleans” stands as a testament to the enduring power of folk music to preserve and transmit history. Horton’s ability to infuse historical events with infectious energy makes the song both educational and entertaining, creating a unique bridge between the past and present.
Decades after its release, the song remains a beloved classic, a testament to its universal appeal. Whether performed in a lively pub sing-along or echoing through the speakers at a patriotic celebration, “The Battle of New Orleans” continues to captivate audiences with its infectious spirit and historical charm.
Johnny Horton’s legacy is intricately tied to this iconic song, which not only secured his place in the annals of music history but also became a symbol of the timeless connection between storytelling, music, and the human experience. As the battle drums and jubilant melodies of “The Battle of New Orleans” reverberate, they carry with them the echoes of a bygone era, inviting new generations to tap their feet to the rhythm of history.
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LYRICS
In 1814 we took a little tripAlong with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip’We took a little bacon and we took a little beansAnd we caught the bloody British in the town of New OrleansWe fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’There wasn’t as many as there was a while agoWe fired once more and they began to runnin’On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of MexicoWe looked down a river and we see’d the British comeAnd there must have been a hundred of ’em beatin’ on the drumThey stepped so high and they made their bugles ringWe stood behind our cotton bales and didn’t say a thingWe fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’There wasn’t as many as there was a while agoWe fired once more and they began to runnin’On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of MexicoOld Hickory said, “We could take ’em by surpriseIf we didn’t fire our muskets ’til we looked ’em in the eye”We held our fire ’til we see’d their faces wellThen we opened up our squirrel guns and gave ’emWell, we fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’There wasn’t as many as there was a while agoWe fired once more and they began to runnin’On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of MexicoYeah, they ran through the briers and they ran through the bramblesAnd they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn’t goThey ran so fast that the hounds couldn’t catch ’emOn down the Mississippi to the Gulf of MexicoWe fired our cannon ’til the barrel melted downSo we grabbed an alligator and we fought another roundWe filled his head with cannonballs ‘n’ powdered his behindAnd when we touched the powder off, the gator lost his mindWe fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’There wasn’t as many as there was a while agoWe fired once more and they began to runnin’On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of MexicoYeah, they ran through the briers and they ran through the bramblesAnd they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn’t goThey ran so fast that the hounds couldn’t catch ’emOn down the Mississippi to the Gulf of MexicoHut, two, three, fourSound off, three, fourHut, two, three, fourSound off, three, fourHut, two, three, fourHut, two, three, four