Historical songs

[kesslari]

I really appreciate well-written songs about history. Al Stewart and Mark Knopfler are two artists who do this really well. Here are a couple of favorites. What are some of yours?

Al Stewart




Mark Knopfler

 

[Ostie]

Steve Earle song about the Civil war. I think it’s called Ben McCullough.

 

[kesslari]

@Blazer I suspect you have a few...

 

[Michedelic]

Johnny Horton

 

[Spidey2112]

When they turn the pages of history
When these days have passed long ago
Will they read of us with sadness
For the seeds that we let grow?
We turned our gaze
From the castles in the distance
Eyes cast down
On the path of least resistance
Cities full of hatred
Fear and lies
Withered hearts
And cruel, tormented eyes
Scheming demons
Dressed in kingly guise
Beating down the multitude
And scoffing at the wise

The hypocrites are slandering
The sacred halls of truth
Ancient nobles showering
Their bitterness on youth
Can't we find
The minds that made us strong?
Oh can't we learn
To feel what's right and what's wrong?
What's wrong

Cities full of hatred
Fear and lies
Withered hearts
And cruel, tormented eyes
Scheming demons
Dressed in kingly guise
Beating down the multitude
And scoffing at the wise
Whoa can't we raise our eyes
And make a start?
Can't we find the minds
To lead us closer to the heart?

 

[ahc]

Here's a couple:





Oops, just saw Michedelic's post.

 

[PWRL]

The Ballad of Ira Hayes, Johnny Cash
The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, The Pogues
The Battle of New Orleans, Johnny Horton
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot

 

[ahc]

 

[ahc]

 

[kesslari]

The Band - good call. A favorite of theirs about the Acadian diaspora.

 

[ahc]

 

[Jeff Scott]

How about historical songs about subjects that are yet to come?

Such as "Get 'Em Out By Friday".

 

[Afc70]

Iron Maiden
“Alexander the Great”

 

[dxb]

 

[GretschWretch]

Al Stewart has an exquisite album called "Between the Wars" covering just the period in history the title says it does. And he does it with a very small number of supporting musicians.

 

[Hahaha]

 

[Spectrum]

 

[klyph]

For historical verisimilitude and a hellacious left hand it’s hard to beat this guy:

 

[LowActionHero]

Steve Earle song about the Civil war. I think it’s called Ben McCullough.

Copperhead Road?

 

[MasterG]