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about
The Americans have all kinds of songs about the wars they've won. My Dad and all my uncles served in the Second World War, and during that time learned to dislike Americans boasting about their victories. A large chunk of our extended family would go off on summer expeditions to all the old forts that were left over from the War of 1812-14, when we beat the American invasion back. Whenever we passed a group of American tourists on one these jaunts, the grown men I so loved would bray hilariously about how we were the first people to give the 'Yanks' a good whipping. So the song's a tribute to their craziness, in a way. But personally, I'd like to say that if the Americans can have Johnny Horton's Battle of New Orleans, we need to answer back. Dad, uncles, here's an answer.
lyrics
THUNDER AND RAIN LYRICS
They came for John Paul O’Reilly
At a quarter to five
Told him to join up with the Redcoats
So his family could survive
Six thousand miles from Ireland
He was runnin’ all they way
“Take your choice” said the Captain
Die tomorrow or today
Thunder and rain
Thunder and rain
Here comes them
Goddamn Yankees again
Thunder and rain
And lightnin’ and fire
Their guns are getting’ closer
Tell the Captain he’s a liar.
You want me fightin’ here right now
Like I fought for you back then
Is it the Indians risin’
Or the voyageurs again
“Now we’ve all got together”
Said the Captain “this time
They’re from south of the border
We can handle ‘em fine.
CHORUS
They fought for 27 months
In the mud and in the snow
Through a furnace of a summer
Out in south Ontario
One Christmas they were nearly
To the Plains of Old Quebec
With a musket full of nothin’
Wrapped in blankets to his neck
CHORUS
From 1812 to –14 they all fought
And they all won
John Paul went back to Georgian Bay
And again laid down his gun
From Montreal to Detroit
Up and down the Great Lakes waters
He fought, by god he’d fight again
To protect his sons and daughters.
CHORUS
credits
released May 22, 2013
Music and Lyrics: David Hallam
Vocals: David Hallam
Lead Guitar: Dan Howlett
Rhythm Guitar: Dale Bishop
Guitar/Vocals: B Nash
Bass Guitar: Peter McFarlane
Drums: Bruce Cameron
Produced by: Daryl Chonka, Old Growth Studio
(with Lane 31)
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