About the song
“The Battle of New Orleans,” immortalized in song by Jimmy Driftwood and famously performed by Johnny Horton, encapsulates a unique blend of history, humor, and musicality that resonated deeply in American culture. Written as a narrative from the perspective of an American soldier, the song humorously recounts the Battle of New Orleans, a pivotal conflict in the War of 1812. Jimmy Driftwood, a school principal with a passion for history, crafted the lyrics to the tune of “The 8th of January,” an American fiddle tune marking the date of the battle.
The song gained widespread popularity in 1959 through Johnny Horton’s rendition, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became emblematic of its era, bridging the gap between folk and mainstream music. Horton’s adaptation, starting with a nod to “Dixie” and ending with a military march, reflected the upbeat and patriotic spirit of the late 1950s. Its success was not just commercial; it also earned critical acclaim, winning a Grammy for Best Country & Western Performance in 1959 and later securing a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.
Beyond its initial success, “The Battle of New Orleans” continued to influence music across genres and decades. Artists like Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group in Britain and Pete Seeger in the United States offered their interpretations, each adding their unique flair to the narrative. The song’s adaptability and enduring appeal are evident in its numerous covers over the years, ranging from folk and country to rock and even psychedelic renditions.
Moreover, the song’s legacy extends beyond music. It has been recognized by the Western Writers of America as one of the Top 100 Western songs and remains a cultural touchstone, referenced in films like “Veronika Voss” and performed in various themed shows and concerts.
“The Battle of New Orleans” not only commemorates a historical event but also showcases how music can transform storytelling into a vibrant and enduring cultural phenomenon. Its playful yet patriotic depiction of history continues to captivate audiences, ensuring its place in the pantheon of American folk classics.
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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