I don't know about Horton but Jimmy Driftwood from Timbo Arkansas wrote the song and used it along with others that he had written to teach history in a country school. Horton made the song famous. I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy and drinking some moonshine whiskey while listening to him sing this song back in the mid sixties near Sylamore Creek.
He didn't write this or use it to teach history. It was written by Jimmy Driftwood as a teaching aid in the high school history classes he taught. Horton was never a teacher.
I used to sing this whole song to my kids, they loved it .It was one of the most one sided battles in history and it was fought after the War of 1812 was over because the news of that hadn't reached them yet .MY Kentucky grandpa , 6 generations back ,was there with his squirrel gun .
My Dad would sing this to us all the time as kids. This the Davey Crockett theme music from the 60s show and a lot of old country western songs. He loved to wake us up for work in the summer with them, which colors my love with a bit of frustration...
A lot of folks talk about that a treaty had already been signed and these soldiers died for nothing. But, that’s not true. For those that fought on both sides, the war was still going. Your general tells you that this battle could win back the former British colony so you march to battle. Jackson tells his men fight and save our country and our independence, so you fight. Later you find out that the war was already over. But on that day, in that battle, for those soldiers it wasn’t. Each side fought for what they believed in. It was not for “nothing”!
The War of 1812 when the British thought they would try once more to bring America to heel. This is considered a patriotic song, not that it is celebrating death, but celebrating retaining our freedom by driving the English to the Gulf of Mexico.
You have to understand that the ones who fought this battle were good old boys from came from Kentucky and Tennessee. They love to fight and they were fighting for our country.
It's satirical comedy, Ace. You took it too seriously. For your next history lesson, you may want to listen to Horton's "Sink the Bismarck", which is about the mighty German battleship in World War II. Incredibly catchy song with marching drums and guitar work. Johnny Horton was a master storyteller.
We fought off the British on USA soil in 1781, in the *"American Revolution"* They came back and tried again in the War of 1812 and burned our capitol in D.C., but the Battle of New Orleans was in 1814. Some people just never learn. After a while, we kissed and made up. All of us kids sang this song.
My dad used to play this when I was a small boy. In the early 2000s I played it for my boy as well. Horton had a lot of songs like this and I loved passing them on to my son. This was the Revolutionary war. You should do Sink The Bismark which is a WWII song of his.
Funny story. My brother used to dig in the dumpsters at the college in town after all the kids went home for summer break, and he brought home a Johnny Horton album he found, and this song was on it. He brought home all sorts of stuff. Lol
I still play Johnny Horton's Hit cd in the car on trips because they're great sing along songs. North to Alaska and Comanche were theme songs to movies. Comanche is a true story,
I've loved this song since I first heard it in the 1960's. It is meant to be funny! It is meant to be enjoyed! Try "North to Alaska" or "Sink the Bismark" or anything by Johnny Horton you will love it!
I loved Horton. He had a penchant for historical patriotism. He died in a auto accident early in his career. Gone to soon. His historical stories were almost like marches or anthems and it is very hard to sit still during them.
The quality of martial jingoism is what you're reacting to. The largest market for this type of song, back in the early 60s, was children, especially little boys. The Vietnam War had not yet gotten going, and we were in the depths of the Cold War. The 19th Century did not seem as remote as it does today. Westerns were popular (Cowboys killing Indians with complete lack of remorse). It was a different time. As a little boy, I took pride in this victory song. Horton also did a similar song called "Sink the Bismarck." It wouldn't work today.
The song was wrore by an Arkansas history teacher named Jimmy Driftwood. The wild thing about this battle is the peace treaty was signed 2 weeks before the battle took place.
Jimmy Driftwood of Mountain View, AR is accredited as the writer though Johnny Horton is listed as the first recording. Driftwood was also a history teacher.
There wasn't anybody around that time that couldn't tell you when the Battle of New Orleans took place. Laugh, dance, sing along, cheer. No offense taken. Enjoy the history lesson.
The irony is that a peace treaty had already been signed between the two countries. The snail pace of information sharing meant that all those troops died needlessly
This is more or less historical, the battle was at the end of the War of 1812. One thing the song doesn't mention is that a peace treaty had already been signed, the word hadn't arrived until after the battle. Oh, and they didn't really use 'gators like that. :)
Johnny Horton’s music catalog contains so many historical moments. “Sink the Bismarck”, “North To Alaska”, “Whispering Pines”, and “Comanche the Brave Horse” are just a few that you could check out. I loved Johnny’s music growing up. He and my grandfather could’ve been twins.
This is a fun song about one battle in the War of 1812, when the British tried to get their land back. It's very humorous, and that's ok. We won that battle, and ultimately the war.
Forget about being "politically correct" when you listen to these classic songs. Just enjoy the music we grew up with. Ĺearning history in a fun format. "Sink the Bismarck" or "North to Alaska" next. North to Alaska is from a John Wayne movie of the same name & is a fun movie to watch.
I only found out recently that one of my 4th great grandfathers had died in that campaign fighting under the command of Andrew Jackson. He was from Illinois and a volunteer backwoods infantryman. I dug this since it came out when I was in grade school, and could only imagine there was an actual family connection. Humbling.
Unlike my Mom and Dad I never was a fan of much of the country music they played all the time on the radio or on tv weekend nights as a kid in 70's. There are some artists though that had that sound and their singing that has never got old to me ) I'm a Honky Tonk Man, Sink the Bismark, Ol' Slew Foot and so many others by him are just priceless even after so many years.
It was a lighthearted take on the battle which was fought by Minutemen from the South. Kind of like the beginning of Gorilla Warfare. The British faced their enemies in a solid stance and depended on the power of their numbers. Our early militia were much smaller in number so they had to hit the enemy before they realized what was happening. Basically, we ambushed the enemy by hiding until they were in range so no ammo was wasted. Most were farmers skilled in hunting instead of the art of war. Horton had expressive eyebrows so when he sang this song live it was pretty animated. Loved this song as a kid. Thank you for digging this gem up from the depths.
Bought this album when I was in grade school. At a time when people didn't get their panties in a twist if something was deemed what might now be politically incorrect. Great song. Thanks for the reaction, feel free to enjoy it!
Part of the musical tradition Horton uses here and in other songs and as sub-genre all it's own that is: military marching songs. While this was not designed explicitly for cadence marching it is in that tradition. Cadence songs are often dark or gallows humor discussing grim topics. My experience in marching in Army is that often the favorites are often those with a bit of "spit in their eyes" dark humor. There are also very serious cadence songs and marches too, but it is intentionally humorous and dark.
This was the War of 1812...U.S. vs the British. There is a video of this song that is hilarious. Do whatever moves you. This is a quick history lesson.
I popped on and you had two of my favorite songs. This and Edwin Starr- War. This is what I can say about this song. It is hard in some ways. As a kid it was our rally song when we would do firework wars with other neighborhood kids. We would have it blaring on a boom box on a old mix tape for dramatic affect. So part of me loves it because I think back on that time and how much fun we had and how miraculous it was none of us lost eyes or anything. Same time I also love the Edwin Starr - War song. As I got older it spoke to me growing up during the Gulf War and so on. I still believe it and firmly agree with him. They are diametrically opposed to each other but I love them both and am fully aware it makes me a little bit of a hypocrite. That is the human state generally and I accept it. Also yeah that gator had a rough day.
Johnny Horton did not write this song nor was he a History teacher. This song was written by an Arkansas History teacher named Jimmy Driftwood. Driftwood was also a collector of old music and was committed to helping it continue to exist and not be lost. Driftwood's version is available on RUclips and is worth a listen. The versions are slightly different as Horton's was made more as a commercial record.
Don't fret about ' enjoying this song ' too much . Millions upon millions of people enjoyed it when it was originally released back in 1959 and it's retained its' status as a country classic over the years .
The style is in the manner of an American folk "tall tale" where a true story (or a legend) is retold in an exaggerated way. It's ok to laugh - it's supposed to be funny.
This is a novelty song, a form of musical comedy. Really, about the only radio show that played this type of song was the Doctor Demento radio show because fans were tuned in to listen to the silliest and even the dumbest songs ever created. Another song of this type (historical war song) "Please, Mr. Custer" sung by Larry Verne, and written by Al De Lory, Fred Darian, and Joseph Van Winkle. You have to be warmed up for comedy of this type. The best writer of this type of music is Tom Lehrer, who created a number of amazing songs. You can start with "The Elements" song as an example.
This also speaks to how soldiers are conditioned and hardened to battle and are trained to take it in stride, and although not written at the time, has a style that would be believable to have been written by veterans of it.
The young need to bite the bullet and study history. The good Lord knows that they didn't get in school. Ditto for reading, writing (grammar, spelling), and arithmetic.
Even tho the war was technically over at the time of the battle…I doubt very seriously that the British would have given New Orleans back, once they had occupied it! This is my favorite Horton song, but Sink the Bismarck is a close second!
If I remember correctly Johnny Horton was a History teacher and thought his students would retain the lessons if his wrote it in song with humour.
cool
I don't know about Horton but Jimmy Driftwood from Timbo Arkansas wrote the song and used it along with others that he had written to teach history in a country school. Horton made the song famous. I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy and drinking some moonshine whiskey while listening to him sing this song back in the mid sixties near Sylamore Creek.
North to Alaska by Johnny Horton.
I love this song, it's meant to be enjoyed.
Satirical song based on reality.
History in music 🎶
Another one by him is:
"NORTH TO ALASKA" &
"Sinking of the Bismarck"
War of 1812...same war our national anthem was written at Ft. McHenry....
The best way to learn history. I have loved this my whole life, I am 71. Horton sings a lot of historic songs.
You should hear ",,Please Mr. Custer."
It's a history lesson. Something Johnny Horton was really good at giving.
The first comment is correct. He did teach his children this way as a history teacher.
He didn't write this or use it to teach history. It was written by Jimmy Driftwood as a teaching aid in the high school history classes he taught. Horton was never a teacher.
All us kids loved this song...so much fun that you didn't even know that you were learning something as dull as HISTORY 😂
I used to sing this whole song to my kids, they loved it .It was one of the most one sided battles in history and it was fought after the War of 1812 was over because the news of that hadn't reached them yet .MY Kentucky grandpa , 6 generations back ,was there with his squirrel gun .
wow - and I just recently found out one of my 4th great grandfathers, from Illinois, died somewhere on that campaign. very humbling...
My Dad would sing this to us all the time as kids. This the Davey Crockett theme music from the 60s show and a lot of old country western songs. He loved to wake us up for work in the summer with them, which colors my love with a bit of frustration...
A lot of folks talk about that a treaty had already been signed and these soldiers died for nothing. But, that’s not true. For those that fought on both sides, the war was still going. Your general tells you that this battle could win back the former British colony so you march to battle. Jackson tells his men fight and save our country and our independence, so you fight. Later you find out that the war was already over. But on that day, in that battle, for those soldiers it wasn’t. Each side fought for what they believed in. It was not for “nothing”!
@@Anna-g3i4n Well also to be fair Old Hickory would have happily done anything to kill British soldiers...
I love this song! This made it easier to learn history and have fun learning US history ❤
Johnny Horton and Marty Robins started my love for history
The War of 1812 when the British thought they would try once more to bring America to heel. This is considered a patriotic song, not that it is celebrating death, but celebrating retaining our freedom by driving the English to the Gulf of Mexico.
What about the freedom of the aboriginal people who’s land you stole and enslaved
You have to understand that the ones who fought this battle were good old boys from came from Kentucky and Tennessee. They love to fight and they were fighting for our country.
You are so right! Proud Tennessean here.
Many years ago I worked with a British crew who all knew and loved this song. It was an old song, even then, and, like you said, it's catchy.
Wow Thanks i have not heard this in years, very good history lesson, he had 4 or 5 great hits.
Johnny Horton sang history lessons about WW2, about Custers last stand and about the Alamo and about a frontier guide named Jim Bridger
I grew up with this one! Followed with “Ballad of Davy Crockett” by Fess Parker. Haha.
It's a song of victory
I always love this song. It gives me goose bumps. We were being invaded again by the Brits. They didn't know our deep south. Folk songs and stories. ❤
Another memorable song of his is 'Battle of Bull Run'. I can never forget that song
When I was a kid in the 70s, my mom used to sing this song to me. It was one of earliest songs I learned, and have always loved it. Great song.
Been a couple decades since I've heard this
He's happy! We won the war!
I still have this album!
Went to New Orleans last year and you can drive thru the battle ground. The chorus has a new meaning after you see "the briars and the brambles"
And cotton bales made really good bullet sponges.
It's satirical comedy, Ace. You took it too seriously. For your next history lesson, you may want to listen to Horton's "Sink the Bismarck", which is about the mighty German battleship in World War II. Incredibly catchy song with marching drums and guitar work. Johnny Horton was a master storyteller.
Even the pirate Jean Lafitte and his crew fought with the Americans.
Johhny has several history based story songs. Jim Bridger" and Commanche, the brave horse" are two that come to mind.
We actually learned about this in school.
We fought off the British on USA soil in 1781, in the *"American Revolution"*
They came back and tried again in the War of 1812 and burned our capitol in D.C., but the Battle of New Orleans was in 1814. Some people just never learn.
After a while, we kissed and made up.
All of us kids sang this song.
My dad used to play this when I was a small boy. In the early 2000s I played it for my boy as well. Horton had a lot of songs like this and I loved passing them on to my son. This was the Revolutionary war. You should do Sink The Bismark which is a WWII song of his.
My favourite songs by him are Whispering Pines and North to Alaska.
I also recommend. north to Alaska, the title track to the same movie, that stared John Wayne
History lesson in a song ❤️
It's supposed to be fun, just enjoy it. 😂
Funny story. My brother used to dig in the dumpsters at the college in town after all the kids went home for summer break, and he brought home a Johnny Horton album he found, and this song was on it. He brought home all sorts of stuff. Lol
I still play Johnny Horton's Hit cd in the car on trips because they're great sing along songs. North to Alaska and Comanche were theme songs to movies. Comanche is a true story,
:D One of my most favorite musical history lessons.
I've loved this song since I first heard it in the 1960's. It is meant to be funny! It is meant to be enjoyed! Try "North to Alaska" or "Sink the Bismark" or anything by Johnny Horton you will love it!
I loved Horton. He had a penchant for historical patriotism. He died in a auto accident early in his career. Gone to soon. His historical stories were almost like marches or anthems and it is very hard to sit still during them.
I loved this song. It is a very catch and should I say funny. People of my day loved this and bobbed our heads to it..
The quality of martial jingoism is what you're reacting to. The largest market for this type of song, back in the early 60s, was children, especially little boys. The Vietnam War had not yet gotten going, and we were in the depths of the Cold War. The 19th Century did not seem as remote as it does today. Westerns were popular (Cowboys killing Indians with complete lack of remorse). It was a different time. As a little boy, I took pride in this victory song. Horton also did a similar song called "Sink the Bismarck." It wouldn't work today.
The song was wrore by an Arkansas history teacher named Jimmy Driftwood.
The wild thing about this battle is the peace treaty was signed 2 weeks before the battle took place.
Jimmy Driftwood of Mountain View, AR is accredited as the writer though Johnny Horton is listed as the first recording. Driftwood was also a history teacher.
It was more than 200 years ago and it was the British so it's all good
This was absolutely a giant hit in the United States. Listen to "Sink the Bismarck" and "North to Alaska" by JH
There wasn't anybody around that time that couldn't tell you when the Battle of New Orleans took place. Laugh, dance, sing along, cheer. No offense taken. Enjoy the history lesson.
The irony is that a peace treaty had already been signed between the two countries. The snail pace of information sharing meant that all those troops died needlessly
Love your channel. I enjoyed how you really didn’t know what to make of this song.
This is more or less historical, the battle was at the end of the War of 1812. One thing the song doesn't mention is that a peace treaty had already been signed, the word hadn't arrived until after the battle. Oh, and they didn't really use 'gators like that. :)
A history lesson.
This was one of my favorite albums when i was a kid. Comanche, Sink the Bismarck, Were great to me.
Johnny Horton’s music catalog contains so many historical moments. “Sink the Bismarck”, “North To Alaska”, “Whispering Pines”, and “Comanche the Brave Horse” are just a few that you could check out. I loved Johnny’s music growing up. He and my grandfather could’ve been twins.
Johnny Horton has some great songs. Beautiful voice. This one was more upbeat and fun.
This is a fun song about one battle in the War of 1812, when the British tried to get their land back. It's very humorous, and that's ok. We won that battle, and ultimately the war.
We had his Hits album when I was a kid. This was one of the main tunes. He died young.
Forget about being "politically correct" when you listen to these classic songs. Just enjoy the music we grew up with. Ĺearning history in a fun format.
"Sink the Bismarck" or "North to Alaska" next.
North to Alaska is from a John Wayne movie of the same name & is a fun movie to watch.
I only found out recently that one of my 4th great grandfathers had died in that campaign fighting under the command of Andrew Jackson. He was from Illinois and a volunteer backwoods infantryman. I dug this since it came out when I was in grade school, and could only imagine there was an actual family connection. Humbling.
Next you want to hear Sink the Bismarck ! By Johnny Horton
There was a different version for the British release.
Unlike my Mom and Dad I never was a fan of much of the country music they played all the time on the radio or on tv weekend nights as a kid in 70's. There are some artists though that had that sound and their singing that has never got old to me ) I'm a Honky Tonk Man, Sink the Bismark, Ol' Slew Foot and so many others by him are just priceless even after so many years.
Today you had a history lesson. You'll never forget the Battle of New Orleans. Next "Sink the Bismark". Enjoy! It was meant to make you laugh a bit.
This is kind of like a folk song. You notice the humor. Think of "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
Move and groove, no permission needed😊
It's historical!!!!! Check out National Anthem about Ft McHenry.
It was a lighthearted take on the battle which was fought by Minutemen from the South. Kind of like the beginning of Gorilla Warfare. The British faced their enemies in a solid stance and depended on the power of their numbers. Our early militia were much smaller in number so they had to hit the enemy before they realized what was happening. Basically, we ambushed the enemy by hiding until they were in range so no ammo was wasted. Most were farmers skilled in hunting instead of the art of war. Horton had expressive eyebrows so when he sang this song live it was pretty animated. Loved this song as a kid. Thank you for digging this gem up from the depths.
Bought this album when I was in grade school.
At a time when people didn't get their panties in a twist if something was deemed what might now be politically incorrect.
Great song. Thanks for the reaction, feel free to enjoy it!
I remember my mom singing this when we went on car trips.
RIP! Died in head on collision in route from Austin, TX to Shreveport, LA at the age of 35. His bandmates survived as did the other driver.
Part of the musical tradition Horton uses here and in other songs and as sub-genre all it's own that is: military marching songs. While this was not designed explicitly for cadence marching it is in that tradition. Cadence songs are often dark or gallows humor discussing grim topics. My experience in marching in Army is that often the favorites are often those with a bit of "spit in their eyes" dark humor. There are also very serious cadence songs and marches too, but it is intentionally humorous and dark.
I have him among my music, wonderful music! ❤️
This was the War of 1812...U.S. vs the British. There is a video of this song that is hilarious. Do whatever moves you. This is a quick history lesson.
He's got another version from the British perspective
try sink the Bismark by johnny Horton if you liked this
Leter Go 😂
The battle was connected to the American Revolution allowing for further American democracy
I popped on and you had two of my favorite songs. This and Edwin Starr- War. This is what I can say about this song. It is hard in some ways. As a kid it was our rally song when we would do firework wars with other neighborhood kids. We would have it blaring on a boom box on a old mix tape for dramatic affect. So part of me loves it because I think back on that time and how much fun we had and how miraculous it was none of us lost eyes or anything. Same time I also love the Edwin Starr - War song. As I got older it spoke to me growing up during the Gulf War and so on. I still believe it and firmly agree with him. They are diametrically opposed to each other but I love them both and am fully aware it makes me a little bit of a hypocrite. That is the human state generally and I accept it. Also yeah that gator had a rough day.
Yes, North to Alaska !
You have a beautiful speaking voice.
Johnny Horton did not write this song nor was he a History teacher. This song was written by an Arkansas History teacher named Jimmy Driftwood. Driftwood was also a collector of old music and was committed to helping it continue to exist and not be lost. Driftwood's version is available on RUclips and is worth a listen. The versions are slightly different as Horton's was made more as a commercial record.
Another of his history lessons would be Sink the Bismark, one of his better songs imo
It's okay to chuckle, Ace.
Don't fret about ' enjoying this song ' too much . Millions upon millions of people enjoyed it when it was originally released back in 1959 and it's retained its' status as a country classic over the years .
The style is in the manner of an American folk "tall tale" where a true story (or a legend) is retold in an exaggerated way. It's ok to laugh - it's supposed to be funny.
Oh, sweetie, these soldiers have been dead for 200 years and turning history into a catchy tune is not disrespectful.
Agreed! Sadly, this song soared right over his (presumably) public school-educated head. 🤷♂️
This is a novelty song, a form of musical comedy.
Really, about the only radio show that played this type of song was the Doctor Demento radio show because fans were tuned in to listen to the silliest and even the dumbest songs ever created.
Another song of this type (historical war song)
"Please, Mr. Custer" sung by Larry Verne, and written by Al De Lory, Fred Darian, and Joseph Van Winkle.
You have to be warmed up for comedy of this type. The best writer of this type of music is Tom Lehrer, who created a number of amazing songs. You can start with "The Elements" song as an example.
This also speaks to how soldiers are conditioned and hardened to battle and are trained to take it in stride, and although not written at the time, has a style that would be believable to have been written by veterans of it.
Life in general back then had to be taken 'in stride' as it was a tough life with little to no conveniences.
Nah, feel the music anyway you feel thats what music is all about ❤
checkin in...
There is a British version of this song…look up…The Battle of New Orleans- British Version
The young need to bite the bullet and study history. The good Lord knows that they didn't get in school. Ditto for reading, writing (grammar, spelling), and arithmetic.
👍
YES! You nailed it! 👍
Even tho the war was technically over at the time of the battle…I doubt very seriously that the British would have given New Orleans back, once they had occupied it!
This is my favorite Horton song, but Sink the Bismarck is a close second!
That was a banjo.
sort of marching cadence
Listen to Sink the Bismark
Chill out. It is a lighter take on the subject. Keep em coming.
Sink the Bismarck