About The Song
In the realm of American music, few songs have captured the spirit of a nation quite like “The Battle of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton. Released in 1959, this rousing track became an instant sensation, topping the charts and etching itself into the annals of popular culture. More than just a catchy tune, “The Battle of New Orleans” stands as a powerful testament to American pride and resilience, a celebration of underdog victory against overwhelming odds.
Johnny Horton, a country singer with a penchant for storytelling, delivered the song with an infectious energy that perfectly matched its narrative. His voice, brimming with both grit and gusto, brought the tale of the Battle of New Orleans to life, painting vivid pictures of the clash between American forces and the invading British army.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Jimmy Driftwood, are a masterful blend of historical fact and creative embellishment. While the core events of the 1815 battle are accurately portrayed, Driftwood infused the narrative with a touch of folksy flair, adding colorful characters and exaggerated details that resonated with audiences.
“The Battle of New Orleans” is more than just a historical ballad; it’s a cultural touchstone that has transcended generations. Its popularity has endured over the decades, with covers by artists ranging from Dolly Parton to Bruce Springsteen. The song has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, further cementing its place in American popular culture.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a fundamental level. It’s a story of underdogs triumphing over adversity, a tale of national pride and unity. “The Battle of New Orleans” is a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the American people, a spirit that continues to inspire and unite generations.
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Lyric
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