“The Battle of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton is a classic country song that blends historical storytelling with a catchy, upbeat melody, making it one of the most memorable novelty songs of its time. Released in 1959, this song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for six weeks. It also topped the country charts and won a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording. The song’s success solidified Horton’s place in music history and showcased his unique ability to bring American history to life through song.
The lyrics of “The Battle of New Orleans” recount the events of the famous 1815 battle during the War of 1812, where American forces, led by General Andrew Jackson, defeated the British army near the city of New Orleans. Written by Jimmy Driftwood, a schoolteacher with a passion for history, the song is both informative and entertaining. Driftwood originally composed the song to help his students remember the details of the battle, and Horton’s rendition brought it to a much wider audience.
The song opens with the lines, “In 1814, we took a little trip / Along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississipp’.” These lyrics set the stage for a lively and humorous account of the battle, complete with vivid imagery and a playful tone. The chorus, which repeats the phrase, “We fired our guns, and the British kept a-comin’ / There wasn’t nigh as many as there was a while ago,” adds to the song’s infectious energy and makes it easy to sing along to.
Johnny Horton’s performance of “The Battle of New Orleans” is full of personality and charm. His voice carries a sense of fun and enthusiasm that perfectly matches the song’s lighthearted approach to history. Horton’s delivery is clear and precise, making it easy for listeners to follow along with the story while also enjoying the rhythm and melody. His ability to infuse the song with both humor and excitement is a key reason for its widespread appeal.
Musically, “The Battle of New Orleans” features a lively, marching beat that evokes the spirit of the battlefield. The banjo and fiddle play prominent roles in the arrangement, giving the song a distinctly country flavor while also adding to its playful, folksy feel. The production is simple yet effective, allowing Horton’s vocals and the song’s narrative to take center stage.
One of the most notable aspects of “The Battle of New Orleans” is its ability to make history accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. While the song is rooted in a specific historical event, its catchy tune and humorous lyrics make it appealing even to those who may not be familiar with the details of the battle. The song’s success also speaks to the broader appeal of historical novelty songs during the 1950s and 1960s, a trend in which Johnny Horton played a significant role with other hits like “North to Alaska” and “Sink the Bismarck.”
“The Battle of New Orleans” also stands out for its cultural impact. It became a defining song of its era, crossing over from the country charts to the pop charts and introducing a new generation to the history of the War of 1812. The song’s popularity was further cemented by its use in various media, including television and film, as well as its continued presence in American music history.
In the years since its release, “The Battle of New Orleans” has remained a beloved song, celebrated for its fun, educational content and its place in the American musical canon. It’s often played at historical events and is a favorite among fans of country and folk music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Johnny Horton’s talent and the timeless appeal of a well-told story set to music.
In conclusion, “The Battle of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton is much more than just a novelty song—it’s a lively and engaging retelling of a pivotal moment in American history, brought to life through Horton’s spirited performance and Driftwood’s clever lyrics. Its combination of historical content, catchy melody, and humorous tone has ensured its place as a classic in both country music and American pop culture. Whether you’re a history buff, a country music fan, or just someone who enjoys a good story, this song continues to entertain and educate listeners decades after its original release.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the 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