"The Battle of New Orleans" is a song written by Jimmy Driftwood and made famous by Johnny Horton in 1959. The song tells the story of the Battle of New Orleans, which took place on January 8, 1815, during the War of 1812 between the United States and the British Empire. The lyrics describe the events leading up to and during the battle. It starts with the American forces, led by Colonel Andrew Jackson, preparing for the battle and gathering supplies like bacon and beans. They then encounter the British troops in New Orleans. The song highlights the resilience of the American troops as they fired their guns at the British, causing them to retreat. Despite being outnumbered, the Americans successfully defended the city, causing the British to flee down the Mississippi River. The lyrical repetition emphasizes the American victory and the British retreat. The song also mentions the strategic tactics used by the American forces, such as waiting to fire their muskets until they could see the enemy's faces. This detail showcases the resourcefulness and cleverness of the American troops. Towards the end of the song, there is a humorous verse where the Americans supposedly use a melted cannon barrel and an alligator in their fight against the British. While this is fictional, it adds a fun twist to the narrative. Overall, "The Battle of New Orleans" celebrates the American victory in the Battle of New Orleans and pays tribute to the resilience and bravery of the American soldiers. It is a patriotic song that became a big hit and has since become a beloved folk song in the United States.
