Historical songs

[Oddly]

Paul Kennerly's "White Mansions" album about the American Civil War.
He's also done one about Jesse James.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

 

[FatStringer52]

A couple about rock 'n roll history . . .

 

[ahc]

 

[Londo Molari]

 

[bassliner50]

In my opinion, the best of the best.

 

[ellipsis]

 

[bearfoot]

While the "Edmund Fitzgerald" is a bona-fide megahit, I find this less-known Lightfoot tale of a sunken (and burning) ship more creepy and spine-tingling.
It also has a line about a band playing
"Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle"

 

[geesharp]

Iron Maiden has many historical songs: Aces High, the Trooper, Paschendale, Montsegur, Run Silent Run Deep, Tail Gunner, Brighter then a thousand suns, Alexander the Great.

 

[Picton]

It’s not really about a historical “event,” but...

 

[Jokei]

 

[fretter]

 

[mikeoso]

In the lyrics he relates info about living in Dayton and mentions ' the Monkey Trial of 23' ( look it up). Never thought I'd hear Adam Ant talking about living in Tennessee and referencing such a dark part of Amercas racist history.

Forgive me, but...the Monkey Trial wasn't about racism. It was about a teacher who was jailed for teaching about evolution

 

[mikeoso]

Plane Wreck at Los Gatos Canyon Woodie Guthrie


Mick Ryan's Lament Tim O'Brien


Heart of the Appaloosa Fred Small

 

[Fat Nermil]

 

[Al T.]

Hillcrest Mine and Cold Missouri Waters by James Keelaghan
Crazy in Alabama by Kate Campbell. Cold Missouri waters is a masterpiece of songwriting- he tells the true story of the fire at Mann Gulch in Montana in 1949. James tells a 300 page story in 5 verses.

 

[Fat Nermil]

 

[Allan Allan]

 

[-Asdfgh-]

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?

That's about politics not history.

It 's not like Fotheringay about Mary Queen of Scots.

Seth Lakeman has done a few songs that span politics and history.

There are tons of folk songs that are about historical events.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

No mention of Rick Wakeman yet?