“The Battle of New Orleans” is a classic American folk song, popularized by country music singer Johnny Horton in 1959. The song tells the fictionalized story of Andrew Jackson’s victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans, which actually took place in 1815. Despite the historical inaccuracies, the song has become a beloved anthem, celebrating American patriotism and resilience.
Horton’s version of the song was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard country chart and crossing over to the pop charts. It remains one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in American music history.
Musical Style
“The Battle of New Orleans” is a quintessential example of the “honky-tonk” style of country music, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. The song features a driving rhythm, a prominent bass line, and a steel guitar solo. Horton’s vocals are energetic and full of emotion, perfectly capturing the spirit of the song.
The arrangement of the song is simple yet effective, with a repetitive chorus and a verse-chorus structure. This makes it easy to remember and sing along to, contributing to its enduring popularity.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “The Battle of New Orleans” are filled with historical inaccuracies and exaggerations, but they are nonetheless captivating and entertaining. The song tells the story of Jackson’s victory over the British in a series of battles, culminating in a final showdown on the banks of the Mississippi River. The lyrics are full of colorful imagery and vivid descriptions, painting a picture of the battle in the listener’s mind.
One of the most memorable lines in the song is “We fired our guns so quick, so fast, the British couldn’t load.” This line is a clear example of the song’s exaggerated and fictionalized nature, but it is also a testament to the song’s ability to capture the excitement and drama of the battle.
Cultural Impact
“The Battle of New Orleans” has had a profound cultural impact in the United States. It has become a beloved anthem of American patriotism and has been covered by countless artists in various genres. The song has also been featured in numerous films and television shows.
In addition to its cultural significance, the song has also had a lasting impact on American music. It has influenced countless other songs and artists, and it continues to be a popular choice for live performances.
Conclusion
“The Battle of New Orleans” is a timeless American classic that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. The song’s catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and colorful lyrics make it a truly unforgettable piece of music.
Despite its historical inaccuracies, the song remains a powerful symbol of American patriotism and resilience. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, entertain, and unite people.
[Verse 1]
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 a town near New Orleans
[Chorus]
We fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’
There wasn’t nigh 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
[Verse 2]
We looked down a river and we see’d the British come
(Hut-two three-four)
And there must have been a hundred of ’em beatin’ on the drums
(Hut-two three-four)
They stepped so high and they made their bugles ring
(Hut-two three-four)
We stood beside our cotton bales and didn’t say a thing
(Hut-two three-four)
[Chorus]
We fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’
There wasn’t nigh 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
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[Verse 3]
Old Hickory said we could take ’em by surprise
(One-hut, two-three-four)
If we didn’t fire our muskets ’til we looked ’em in the eye
(One-hut, two-three-four)
We held our fire ’til we see their faces well
(Hut, two-three-four)
Then we opened up our squirrel guns
And really gave ’em – well we
[Chorus]
Fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’
There wasn’t nigh 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
[Verse 4]
Yeah, they ran through the briars and they ran through the brambles
(One-hup-two, hup-two-three-four)
And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn’t go
(Hup-two, hup-two-three-four)
They ran so fast that the hounds couldn’t catch ’em
(Hup-two, one-two-three-four)
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
(One-two, hup-two-three-four)
[Verse 5]
We fired our cannon ’til the barrel melted down
So we grabbed an alligator and we fought another round
We filled his head with cannon balls and powdered his behind
And when we touched the powder off the gator lost his mind
[Chorus]
We fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’
There wasn’t nigh 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
[Verse 4]
Yeah, they ran through the briars and they ran through the brambles
(One-hup-two, hup-two-three-four)
And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn’t go
(Hup-two, hup-two-three-four)
They ran so fast that the hounds couldn’t catch ’em
(Hup-two, one-two-three-four)
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
(One-two, hup-two-three-four)
(Sound off three-four)
(One-two, hup-two-three-four)
(Sound off three-four)
(One-two, hup-two-three-four)
(Sound off three-four)