“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Growing up in a family that cherished American folk music, “The Battle of New Orleans” was a staple in our household. Its lively tempo and vivid storytelling painted a picture of history that was as engaging as any storybook. This song, composed by Jimmy Driftwood, has a unique way of making a historical event come alive through music.
About The Composition
- Title: The Battle of New Orleans
- Composer: Jimmy Driftwood
- Premiere Date: 1959
- Album/Opus/Collection: Included in Driftwood’s album as well as Johnny Horton’s album
- Genre: Country, American folk
Background
“The Battle of New Orleans” was composed by Jimmy Driftwood, a high school principal and history teacher, who aimed to spark his students’ interest in history through music. The song recounts the 1815 Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. Its engaging narrative and Driftwood’s folksy rhythm made history accessible and entertaining. Initially popularized by Johnny Horton’s version in 1959, it won the 1960 Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording.
Musical Style
The song features a rollicking, upbeat rhythm typical of American folk music, utilizing instruments like the banjo and fiddle. Its catchy, repetitive chorus and humorous verses capture the listener’s attention, while the fast pace mirrors the excitement and chaos of the battle it describes.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “The Battle of New Orleans” are both educational and entertaining, offering a humorous take on a serious historical event. It uses colloquial language to narrate the story of American troops defeating the British, led by Andrew Jackson, emphasizing resourcefulness and bravery.
Performance History
Johnny Horton’s 1959 rendition brought “The Battle of New Orleans” to mainstream audiences, making it a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity endured through the years, becoming an iconic piece of American folk music.
Cultural Impact
The song not only educated listeners about American history but also became a symbol of American pride and resilience. It has been covered by various artists and remains a popular performance piece during patriotic celebrations.
Legacy
“The Battle of New Orleans” remains a testament to the power of music in education and its ability to preserve historical narratives. Its continued relevance is a tribute to its ability to engage and entertain audiences while educating them.
Conclusion
“The Battle of New Orleans” holds a special place in the panorama of American folk music. I recommend listening to Johnny Horton’s energetic version to fully appreciate how this song blends historical fact with musical creativity. It’s a lively journey through a pivotal moment in American history.
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