Johnny Horton – Sink The Bismarck (1960)

“Sink the Bismarck” by Johnny Horton is a stirring ballad that vividly recounts one of World War II’s most dramatic naval battles. Released in 1960, this song was penned by songwriters Johnny Horton and Tillman Franks. It became a significant hit, reflecting Horton’s knack for blending historical events with captivating melodies.

Johnny Horton, an acclaimed country music artist known for his “saga songs,” brought history to life through his music. “Sink the Bismarck” was released as a single and featured on the album “Johnny Horton Makes History.” The song swiftly climbed the charts, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Country Singles chart. Its success was bolstered by the concurrent release of the film “Sink the Bismarck!” which also dramatized the famous naval engagement.

The song narrates the story of the German battleship Bismarck, the pride of the Nazi fleet, and the efforts of the British Royal Navy to destroy it. Horton’s powerful voice and the song’s driving rhythm convey the urgency and intensity of the mission. The lyrics detail the chase and eventual sinking of the Bismarck, celebrating the bravery and determination of the Allied forces. The refrain, “We gotta sink the Bismarck ’cause the world depends on us,” encapsulates the high stakes of the naval confrontation.

“Sink the Bismarck” resonated with audiences not only for its historical content but also for its spirited delivery and memorable tune. Johnny Horton’s ability to transform a significant wartime event into a compelling and accessible story helped the song become an enduring classic. Its popularity extended beyond the United States, capturing the attention of listeners worldwide who were fascinated by its portrayal of heroism and naval warfare.

The song’s release contributed to Johnny Horton’s legacy as a storyteller who could make history come alive through music. Known for other historical hits like “The Battle of New Orleans” and “North to Alaska,” Horton’s work continues to be celebrated for its educational and entertainment value.

For older audiences, “Sink the Bismarck” is a nostalgic reminder of Horton’s unique place in country music history and his ability to turn historical events into chart-topping hits. For new listeners, it offers a compelling introduction to both a significant naval battle and the storytelling prowess of Johnny Horton. The song remains a testament to the power of music to capture and commemorate the pivotal moments of our past.

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Lyrics

In May of nineteen forty-one the war had just begun
The Germans had the biggest ship, they had the biggest guns
The Bismarck was the fastest ship that ever sailed the sea
On her deck were guns as big as steers and shells as big as trees
Out of the cold and foggy night came the British ship, the Hood
And every British seaman, he knew and understood
They had to sink the Bismarck, the terror of the sea
Stop those guns as big as steers and those shells as big as trees
We’ll find the German battleship that’s makin’ such a fuss
We gotta sink the Bismarck cause the world depends on us
Hit the decks a-runnin’ boys and spin those guns around
When we find the Bismarck we gotta cut her down
The Hood found the Bismarck on that fatal day
The Bismarck started firin’ fifteen miles away
“We gotta sink the Bismarck” was the battle sound
But when the smoke had cleared away, the mighty Hood went down
For six long days and weary nights they tried to find her trail
Churchill told the people “put every ship a-sail
‘Cause somewhere on that ocean I know she’s gotta be
We gotta sink the Bismarck to the bottom of the sea”
We’ll find that German battleship that’s makin’ such a fuss
We gotta sink the Bismarck ’cause the world depends on us
Hit the decks a-runnin’ boys and spin those guns around
When we find the Bismarck we gotta cut her down
The fog was gone the seventh day and they saw the mornin’ sun
Ten hours away from homeland the Bismarck made its run
The admiral of the British fleet said “turn those bows around
We found that German battleship and we’re gonna cut her down”
The British guns were aimed and the shells were comin’ fast
The first shell hit the Bismarck, they knew she couldn’t last
That mighty German battleship is just a memory
“Sink the Bismarck” was the battle cry that shook the seven seas
We found that German battleship been makin’ such a fuss
We had to sink the Bismarck ’cause the world depends on us
We hit the deck a-runnin’ and we spun those guns around
Yeah, we found the mighty Bismarck and prepared to cut her down
We found that German battleship been makin’ such a fuss
We had to sink the Bismarck ’cause the world depends on us
We hit the deck a-runnin’ and we spun those guns around
We found the mighty Bismarck and then we cut her down