About the song
In the late 1950s, a song emerged that would capture the hearts of Americans of all ages, particularly teenagers, and leave an indelible mark on the music industry. “The Battle of New Orleans,” written by Jimmy Driftwood, is a unique blend of history, humor, and melody that has become an iconic representation of American folklore. This catchy tune, most famously recorded by Johnny Horton, has been a staple of American music for over six decades, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of storytelling through song.
The song’s origins date back to the early 19th century, when the Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815. Driftwood, a school principal with a passion for history, sought to make learning more engaging for his students by setting the battle’s story to the familiar fiddle tune “The 8th of January.” His creative approach not only succeeded in captivating his students but also propelled him to regional fame as a singer-songwriter of historical songs.
The song’s big break came when Don Warden discovered Driftwood in the late 1950s, leading to a recording contract with RCA. In 1958, Driftwood recorded 12 songs, including “The Battle of New Orleans,” which would soon become a chart-topper. Johnny Horton’s version, released in 1959, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for several weeks, solidifying the song’s place in music history.
Horton’s rendition, which begins with a nod to Daniel Emmett’s “Dixie,” is a masterful blend of storytelling, humor, and music. The song’s lighthearted tone and comedic take on the battle’s events have made it a beloved classic, appealing to audiences of all ages. The song’s impact extends beyond its chart success, as it has been recognized by various organizations, including the Western Writers of America, which selected it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.
The song’s accolades also include a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Performance in 1959 and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. These honors are a testament to the song’s enduring popularity and its significant contribution to American music.
“The Battle of New Orleans” is more than just a song – it’s a time capsule that brings history to life, reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Its impact on American music and culture is undeniable, and its continued popularity is a tribute to the power of storytelling through song. As we look back on the song’s remarkable journey, we are reminded of the significance of music in shaping our understanding of the past and its ability to transcend generations, leaving an indelible mark on our collective cultural consciousness.
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