Continuing the series of YouTube videos recorded in concert back in 1999 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park, IL, I'm pleased to present this solo acoustic performance of my song "Johnny Horton."
This song is a favorite of mine, but has become sort of a rarity in my catalog. It was written in Spring of 1999, right around the taping of this concert. A few months later I would begin the recording of the Sound Theology album, and in Spring of 2000 I made the only studio recording of "Johnny Horton"...the only song recorded in that period that did not appear on the Sound Theology album.
Instead "Johnny Horton" it was released on the now-super-rare Trunkstock Sampler CD, featuring me and other songwriters from Chicago (including Beki Hemingway!). Later on in 2000 and 2001 the song became a regular part of the set list when I would perform with Chicago musicians Benji Derrick (bass), Andy Deitrich (drums), and Matt Marohl (pedal steel).
In 2003 I remixed the studio recording of "Johnny Horton" and the updated version appeared on the Salt Lady Records Extra Credit CD sampler, which is still available for only $5!
The song is inspired by 1950's-era country/rockabilly singer Johnny Horton, who was born on April 30, 1925. In honor of Johnny's birthday this month, I send this one out to him! The lyrics are below:
"Johnny Horton"
words and music by Jonathan Rundman
cp 2000 Salt Lady Music (ASCAP)
the car pulled up and I got in
we shut the doors and went
Johnny Horton on the radio
talkin' 'bout the Old Testament
Johnny never let his guard down
and he died out in his car
and I can hear him even to this day
I wonder if he knew he'd go so far
Why do you think we were up so late?
What was that spirit blowing through us?
Why did we lie there talking 'til the sun came up?
Maybe Johnny Horton spoke right to us
I think about our situation
I think about our life
you are strong and beautiful
just like Johnny's wife
you know if I had a fortune
I would give it all to you
but until then we'll stay up talking
and you know my love is true
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