Hi everyone! I wrote a short series of blog posts called Learning History Through Songs a few years back, but since we are just past the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo, I thought I would re-run this, the 2nd of the series, in memory of that battle. Can you believe that in just ten years, on March 6, 2036, it will have been 200 years since that fateful day happened?
In the first post of this series (The Battle of New Orleans—Learning History Through Songs #1) I mentioned that these ballad-type tunes were popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s, with Marty Robbins and Johnny Horton being two of the best-known singers of this type of songs.
The Battle of New Orleans was penned by an Arkansas school principal, Jimmy Driftwood, who wrote it in the hopes of making learning more fun for his students.
But what about The Ballad of the Alamo?
This theme was written by Ukrainian-born composer Dimitri Zinovievich Tiomkin (May 10, 1894 – November 11, 1979). He was a Hollywood film score composer and conductor. According to “Lyrics”, he is considered “one of the giants of Hollywood movie music.” Though he was musically trained in Russia, he is best known for his westerns, a genre “where his expansive, muscular style had its greatest impact.” Tiomkin received 22 Academy Award nominations and won four Oscars, also according to “Lyrics”.
By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38069784
I can see why! He also wrote The Green Leaves of Summer (also from the John Wayne BATJAC production of THE ALAMO, as well as the theme for the movie Do Not Forsake Me from the movie HIGH NOON, and among other favorites, the theme song for Rawhide!
Tiomkin had a way of putting sweeping musical scores together with some “killer” lyrics—and with Marty Robbins recording The Ballad of the Alamo, it was a sure-fire winner! Though this song has been covered by other artists, and inspired other songs about the Alamo as well, the original Marty Robbins version is incomparable. Recorded in 1960, it became a “crossover” hit, spending 13 weeks on the pop charts and ranked high at #34, at one point.
Imagine, telling the entire story of the Alamo in one story-song. With its haunting melody combined with unforgettable lyrics, this piece stands tall among these songs that teach history through music.
“In the southern part of Texas/Near the town of San Antone/ There’s a fortress all in ruins that the weeds have overgrown…”
The words go on to describe what’s left of the battle scene briefly and the men who were there, as they “…answer to that roll call in the sky.”
Switching gears to what actually happened, the next verse takes us to the action: “Back in 1836/Houston said to Travis/Get some volunteers and go/Fortify the Alamo…”
The story is told in full—how Santa Anna called for surrender and Travis “answered with a shell—and a rousin’ Rebel yell.” Santa Anna issues his decree: “ ‘Play Degüello,’ he roared/ I will show them no quarter/Every one will be put to the sword!”
I still get chills at this line: “One hundred and eighty-five/Holdin’ back five thousand…” The days are counted off to mark time quickly, and then the sad fact that the “…troops that were comin’/ Never came, never came, never came…”
By Robert Jenkins Onderdonk – 1. transferred from en.wikipedia, original is at the Texas State Archives2. A Glimpse of History in Modern San Antonio., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7843901
Of course, we know how the story ends. But Tiomkin brings the lyrics full circle when he starts the final verse with the same lines as the first verse, then diverges and lets us see what the cowboy sees, as if we are there with him.
In the southern part of Texas
Near the town of San Antone
Like a statue on a pinto
Rides a cowboy all alone,
And he sees the cattle grazing where a century before
Santa Anna’s guns were blazin’ and the cannons used to roar
And his eyes turn sorta misty,
And his heart begins to glow,
And he takes his hat off slowly…
To the men of Alamo.
To the thirteen days of glory
At the siege of Alamo…
Here’s the YOUTUBE link if you would like to hear this wonderful retelling of this battle. I can’t even imagine having to perform this in a concert setting as I’m sure Marty Robbins had to do quite often. It’s very difficult to sing, though the logical progression of events make the words easy to remember.
https://youtu.be/Eyu3OIn5A00?si=KsRJbCSpmmciQxcT
Here’s a favorite memory. When my son was in elementary school in fourth grade, his teacher called me one night to tell me that when they’d started talking about the battle of the Alamo in class in history, Casey seemed to already know all about it. She said, “Well, what do you know about it, Casey?” Having heard this song about a million and one times in the car, he said, “Back in 1836, Houston said to Travis…Get some volunteers and go fortify the Alamo!” After some questioning, she was amazed that he remembered so much, and it sure brought a smile to my face.
Have you ever been to the Alamo? We went one year when our kids were in elementary school and middle school, and it’s one of the most moving places I’ve ever been. You can definitely feel the presence of those men who fought and died there. What’s one place you’ve been that touched you deeply, just by being there? The Alamo is one place I will never forget.
A native Oklahoman, I've been influenced by the west all my life. I love to write short stories and novels in the historical western and western romance genres, as well as contemporary romantic suspense! Check my Amazon author page to see my work: http://www.amazon.com/author/cherylpierson
I live in Oklahoma City with my husband of 40 years. I love to hear from readers and other authors--you can contact me here: fabkat_edit@yahoo.com
Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cheryl.pierson.92
https://petticoatsandpistols.com/sweepstakesrules
I haven’t been to the Alamo, but I’ve been to a lot of battlefields, like Valley Forge, the park in NJ where the Molly Pitcher well is, Cooch’s Bridge, Yorktown, Gettysburg, New Market, Manassas/Bull Run, Antietam, Brandywine, and other places like Ft. Delaware and Ft. McHenry. The most solemn were Pearl Harbor and the World Trade Center.
Denise, you have been at some really interesting historical places! When I was young, my family used to take a vacation once every couple of years–long road trips, usually to see relatives along the way and at the end. I remember on our way to Florida one year to visit my aunt and uncle, we stopped at Vicksburg. I was only about 4 or 5 but I remember that place, even though I was too young to understand what it really was and the significance of it.
Good morning Cheryl! Thank you for this history and the links. We just watched the movie about the Alamo not long ago. No, I’ve never been to Texas. I’ve also been to some of the battle fields of the Civil War. I have ancestors who have been confederates of that war. Mostly farmers who took up arms who had nothing, but they served. I can’t even imagine going through those times. Lost lives on both sides.
But, the most memorable place I went to was in Washington, DC and saw the Vietnam Memorial. I went with a group of 4th and 5th graders. I’ve never felt so moved as standing and seeing those names on that black wall. That war was in my early teenage years, so it was close to the heart, I guess. I never lost anyone, but I had uncles who served. Watching it on tv each night left a lasting impression.
God Bless America. And God bless those who continue to serve and have served.
Hi Tracy! I had relatives that served in the Civil War, as well, and I have so often thought of the tragedy of that time for our entire nation. My family had nothing either, just farmers, as you said, but yes, they served.
I wanted to go to Washington, DC and see the Vietnam Memorial, but I never got to go.Now, I can’t do a lot of walking or long periods of standing, so probably will never get to see it, but I can only imagine the impact it makes on probably most everyone who visits there. I was a pre-teen-early teen during those years, and both my brothers-in-law served, and I married a Vietnam veteran.
Yes, God bless them all.
Custer’s Last Stand in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming always causes pause when we drive through the area. Battle of the Big Horns was fought throughout the most beautiful valley. Such carnage. It always causes me to remember. I’ve never been to the Alamo but I would love to someday. I enjoyed your post so much Cheryl. Thank you.
Hi Kathy!
I would love to go to where the Battle of the Big Horn was and just see it for myself. It sounds beautiful, as I’m sure all of Wyoming is–that’s one state I’ve never gotten to go see.
We have made several trips to Ft. Sill in Lawton, OK, to their cemeteries–they have two. One for prisoners of war, where Geronimo is buried, along with his followers and family, as well as others, and the other one for military men and women, but in that cemetery there are also people like Quanah Parker and his mother and sister, and some of the other Indian chieftains and warriors. Both places are that kind of place for me, that make me just want to stand and think and be part of that space for a few minutes.
Thanks for your very kind words, Kathy! Good to see you today!
Cheryl, this song gives me chills and I had to blink the tears away. I’ve been to the Alamo and there was such a heaviness in the air. I could feel the spirits of those heroes and left crying. The price of freedom was high but they were willing to pay it to be free. I just love Marty Robbins and often catch myself singing his songs, especially the gunfighter ballads. He had such a rich voice. I sure miss him.
Linda, I feel the same way about this song. I really don’t know if anyone but Marty Robbins could have performed it–it’s HARD! He hits every note perfectly–so talented, he was! I’m so glad you stopped by today! I’m late with my responses but I’m still here–been a bit under the weather so it’s taking longer than usual. LOL
Love you, Linda!
When I was in high school, my history teacher assigned a project where we had to pick a song about an event in history, write a one-page paper about the event plus write out the song lyrics, read it in class and play the song. He said the only singer we couldn’t use was Johnny Horton, which made me groan out loud. (He pulled me aside as I was walking out the door and told me I was the only kid all day long who actually knew who Johnny Horton was!) I used this song, The Battle of the Alamo, and ended up writing a 2 page paper. For the song lyrics, it was before the time of the internet, so I had to listen to the song multiple times while writing down lyrics, and I had to do the best I could with Santa Anna’s words, because I didn’t know Spanish! I got an A+ and my teacher told me that mine was the best project of all his classes. My dad had all of Marty Robbins’ Western songs on record and 8-track, and I loved listening to them with him. I’ve never been able to visit the Alamo, but maybe someday!
You made me laugh about your teacher’s remark that you were probably the only one who knew who Johnny Horton was. LOL Boy, he cut out a lot of good material when he cut out Johnny Horton! LOL Your response brought back memories of me and my little notebook that I’d keep to write down lyrics to songs if they came on the radio, or ones we had on albums that, like you, I had to play again and again to “get them right”–and I imagine that Spanish did give you a time, but it would have anyone! That’s such a great memory–thanks for sharing with us–you sure brought a smile to my face.
I have been to the Alamo. The items in the museum touched me. Many are so personal.
Yes, Debra, I agree. Those personal items were so poignant.I’m sure glad we got to go see it.
Near the Capitol building in Washington State there is a replica of the Vietnam Memorial with the names of Washingtonians who died in that “crazy Asian war” (a line from another song). In the late 1980’s when my daughter and I were visiting it there was a man sitting beside it quietly crying. I could only guess at the memories it stirred in him. We stayed at a distance and did not get close enough to read any of the names we had planned to look for. It was an experience that made me think about all the people we knew who also served there and the memories they must have, good and bad.
Alice, I probably would have done the same thing you and your daughter did. That man needed his privacy in his grief. That was very thoughtful of you. I agree, I think about all the peopler we knew and those memories they must carry forever. (I remember ‘that crazy Asian war” line–did you know that country singer Mel Tillis wrote that song–Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town–even though it was Kenny Rogers that made it into a mega hit? That was one of the best songs ever written about Vietnam, in my opinion.
I’m so glad you stopped by. I had no idea there is a replica in Washington State. Another state I’ve never gotten to go visit, but I hear it is beautiful!
Hello Cheryl,
I haven’t been to the Alamo, but I’ve been to several other moving places.
Thank you for sharing all the information about the Alamo!
Thank you,
Julie Bullock
Julie, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and it’s good to see you here! Thanks for stopping by!
My husband and I went to the Alamo several years ago. It was a good visit. What surprised us , and probably most people, is that it is in the middle of town surrounded by tall buildings.
We have been lucky to visit many places, and many of them have been touching like the Alamo. The one that affected me the most was The Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC. We lived in the DC area for 5 years and I never visited it. We had been on the Mall many times, but it was like there was a barrier I couldn’t get through to go down to it. Years after we moved away, we took our grandson to DC for a week. Of course we went to the Mall and the monuments. When we got to the Wall, I felt the same barrier, but this time I made myself go through it down to the Wall. Once there, there is a feeling of peace, remembrance, rightness that it is there honoring those who lost their lives. We do know several whose names are on the Wall, many classmates and friends. My husband served 4 tours there in B-52’s. The memorial that touched me personally, is the Korean War Monument. It is very different from any other we have visited. You have statues of troops moving into a combat zone. Each one has the face of a real soldier involved in the war. On the wall near the field of statues there are faces, again of real men involved in the conflict. It is personal for me because I lost my favorite uncle in that war on my 5th birthday. He was only 18, an unarmed medic who went onto the battlefield to bring back wounded comrades,
As an aside, if you or anyone knows an older veteran, they should look for an Honor Flight Hub near where you live. They are all locally run, but basically operate the same way. Most units fly into DC, leaving really early in the morning, get on a bus when they arrive, tour all the military monuments and go to Arlington National Cemetery. They watch the Changing of the Guard and some may lay a wreath at the tomb. Of course meals factor in there somewhere. Each veteran has a guardian and a wheelchair is available for every veteran. Our group takes a bus and makes it a 3 day trip. It is much easier on the veterans. On the way up they stop at the D-Day Memorial in VA and on the way back they stop at a military school.My husband has gone as a guardian. There is no charge for the veteran but the guardians pay their own way. All are funded by donations, so some hubs are better financed than others and may cover some of the guardian’s expenses. It is an unbelievable and often life changing experience for nearly all of them. For many it is finally closure for their war experiences.
I am sorry for rambling on, but we do a lot of veteran volunteer activities as well as being a veteran & wife. It is a wonderful experience that I would like to see all that can get to go. They usually take the oldest veterans and those who have terminal illnesses first. There have been some all Vietnam vet trips. Spred the word.