Thunder On The Mountain
Wanda Jackson Lyrics


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Thunder on the mountain, fires on the moon
A ruckus in the alley and the cops are coming soon
Today's the day, where I'm gonna grab my trombone and blow
Well, there's hot stuff here and it's everywhere that I go

I kept thinking about Jerry Lee couldn't keep from crying
When he was born in Ferriday, I was living down the line
I'm wondering where in the world could Jerry Lee be
I been looking for him, clear through Tennessee

Feel like my soul is beginning to expand
Look into my heart and you will sort of understand
You brought me here, now you're trying run me away
The writing on the wall, come read it, come see what it say

I've got the pork chops, she's got the pie
She ain't no angel and neither am I
Shame on your greed, shame on your wicked schemes
I know one thing, I don't give a dang about your dreams

Thunder on the mountain heavy as can be
Mean old twister bearing down on me
All the ladies in Oklahoma scrambling to get out of town
Looks like a thunder of love better roll your windows down

Everybody going and I want to go too
Don't wanna take a chance with somebody new
I did all I could, I did it right there and then
I've already confessed, no need to confess again

Thunder on the mountain rolling to the ground
Gonna get up in the morning walk the hard road down
Some sweet day I'll stand beside the King
I wouldn't betray your love for any other thing

The pistols are popping and the power is down
I'd like to try something but I'm far from town
The sun keeps shining and the North Winds are picking up speed
Forget about myself, going out to what others need

Gonna make a lot of money, gonna go up North
I'll plant and I'll harvest what the earth brings forth
The hammer's on the table and the pitchfork's on the shelf
For the love of God, you ought to take pity on yourself.

I've been sitting down, studying love
I think it might just fit like a glove
I want a real good man to do just what I say
Everybody's got to wonder what's the matter with the world today

Thunder on the mountain, rolling like a drum
Going to sleep over there, where the music's coming from




I don't need any guide, I already know the way
Remember this, I'm your servant both night and day

Overall Meaning

Wanda Jackson's "Thunder On The Mountain" is a dynamic and complex song that draws on a variety of themes and motifs from American music and culture. The lyrics describe a tumultuous world full of danger, excitement, and spiritual searching, anchored in the image of thunder rolling across the mountains. The verses juxtapose thunder and other natural phenomena with human action, such as cops coming to arrest someone, searching for Jerry Lee Lewis, and the shame of greed and wickedness. The singer's soul expands as she looks into her heart, but at the same time, she feels like she's being run away.


She keeps a light tone throughout the lyrics, punctuated by moments of raw truth and vulnerability. The chorus of the song is repetitive and catchy, driving home the main theme of the song - thunder on the mountain. The closing verses of the song suggest a sense of hope and redemption, as the singer looks forward to walking the hard road and standing beside the King, while also recognizing the need to serve others and show compassion.


Line by Line Meaning

Thunder on the mountain, fires on the moon
Storm is brewing and chaos reigns


A ruckus in the alley and the cops are coming soon
Trouble is brewing and the authorities are on their way


Today's the day, where I'm gonna grab my trombone and blow
I'm ready to make some noise and stand up for what I believe in


Well, there's hot stuff here and it's everywhere that I go
There's something exciting and passionate around every corner


I kept thinking about Jerry Lee couldn't keep from crying
The pain and emotion of another musician is weighing heavily on my mind


When he was born in Ferriday, I was living down the line
Our paths crossed, but we weren't destined to meet at that time


I'm wondering where in the world could Jerry Lee be
I'm on a journey to find another musician and pay my respects


I been looking for him, clear through Tennessee
I've searched far and wide in my quest to find him


Feel like my soul is beginning to expand
I'm experiencing growth and enlightenment


Look into my heart and you will sort of understand
My feelings and motivations are complex but genuine


You brought me here, now you're trying run me away
I was welcome before, but now I feel alienated and excluded


The writing on the wall, come read it, come see what it say
There are clear signs that I'm not wanted and should leave


I've got the pork chops, she's got the pie
We each have something to offer in this relationship


She ain't no angel and neither am I
We're both flawed but still care for each other


Shame on your greed, shame on your wicked schemes
Your selfishness and deceit will not go unnoticed


I know one thing, I don't give a dang about your dreams
I'm not interested in your aspirations or plans


Thunder on the mountain heavy as can be
The storm is intensifying and becoming more dangerous


Mean old twister bearing down on me
Disaster is on its way and I'm in its path


All the ladies in Oklahoma scrambling to get out of town
The danger is so great that even the women are fleeing


Looks like a thunder of love better roll your windows down
Passion is in the air and it's important to embrace it


Everybody going and I want to go too
I don't want to miss out on the action


Don't wanna take a chance with somebody new
I'm not interested in meeting new people or taking risks


I did all I could, I did it right there and then
I've given my all and put forth my best effort


I've already confessed, no need to confess again
I've owned up to my mistakes and don't need to apologize anymore


Thunder on the mountain rolling to the ground
The storm is getting closer and more intense


Gonna get up in the morning walk the hard road down
I have a tough journey ahead of me and need to prepare


Some sweet day I'll stand beside the King
One day I'll achieve greatness and be recognized for it


I wouldn't betray your love for any other thing
I'm fiercely loyal and would never forsake the love of another


The pistols are popping and the power is down
Violence is erupting and the authorities are powerless to stop it


I'd like to try something but I'm far from town
I'm curious and adventurous, but limited by my location


The sun keeps shining and the North Winds are picking up speed
Despite the challenges, life goes on and the world keeps turning


Forget about myself, going out to what others need
I'm putting others first and focusing on their well-being


Gonna make a lot of money, gonna go up North
I have big plans and am willing to travel and work hard for success


I'll plant and I'll harvest what the earth brings forth
I'll work the land and reap the rewards of my labor


The hammer's on the table and the pitchfork's on the shelf
I have the tools I need to succeed and don't need to rely on anyone else


For the love of God, you ought to take pity on yourself.
You deserve compassion and kindness, both from others and from yourself


I've been sitting down, studying love
I've been contemplating the nature of love and relationships


I think it might just fit like a glove
I'm hopeful that love will work out for me


I want a real good man to do just what I say
I have high expectations and want a partner who will meet them


Everybody's got to wonder what's the matter with the world today
The state of the world is a cause for concern and confusion


Thunder on the mountain, rolling like a drum
The storm is picking up intensity and power


Going to sleep over there, where the music's coming from
I'm drawn to the source of creativity and inspiration


I don't need any guide, I already know the way
I'm confident in my abilities and instincts


Remember this, I'm your servant both night and day
I'm here to serve and support those I care about




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Техно Дом

Здорово 👍 настоящие рокеры рок 🎸 рольщики рокерши поют и играют до последнего вздоха здорово 👍

Nicolas Sampo

Recuerdo haber visto este video en la misa semana que salió. Pasaron 10 años y me sigue impresionando como el primer día. Amo a Wanda Jackson y toda la historia que lleva detrás. Jack White, es para quitarse el sombrero, sin palabras.

Burn Barnes

First Lady of Rockabilly still KILLIN IT!

darlu Santos

2019 and still listen this amazing song byWanda Jackson she's rock this place!😄

Lawrence Marston

It was written by Bob Dylan.

Nicholas Fadely

One of the most unique female voices and lyrical styles

Stephane Laberge

The Queen of ROCK. ❤️❤️❤️

Diana Hamilton

I think Joan Jett learned her yowl from Wanda

Snook ProTeam

fantástico, bom saber que o rock and roll ainda existe !

T L

OMG I got goosebumps, still killing it little lady!

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