THUNDER AND RAIN

by Hallam Highwater

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $0.75 CAD  or more

     

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)

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Hallam Highwater image

Hallam Highwater Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

contact / help

Contact Hallam Highwater

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Hallam Highwater, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now