Jackson was still in high school when country singer Hank Thompson heard her sing on an Oklahoma City radio show and asked her to record with his band in 1954. She dated Elvis Presley, who encouraged her to step away from the country-tinged gospel she had been performing since childhood and try her hand at rock and roll. She developed her own distinctive voice and performed in a variety of styles, from folksy traditional tunes to country twang and high yodels to throaty, suggestive ballads. She was a prolific singer of songs with wry lyrics such as "Fujiyama Mama," which contained many references to the World War II bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; ironically, it became a #1 hit in Japan. Her biggest hit was 1959's "Let's Have a Party."
Jackson achieved great and continuing success throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, but has never found the same level of fame in her native United States. She toured with rock and roll pioneers such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly. She has been nominated for two Grammys, and has been awarded the Oklahoma Native Daughter Award. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the International Hall of Fame, the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and the German Country Music Hall of Fame, and in 2009 was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence.
A born-again Christian, Jackson and her husband/manager Wendell Goodman abandoned rock and roll in 1971 and spent the next 25 years performing gospel in churches.
In 1996, Jackson was invited by alt-country singer Rosie Flores to duet with her on an upcoming album. The two were so pleased with the results that Jackson joined Flores on a handful of promotional club dates which were soon extended into a five-week North American tour. Jackson, plesantly surprised to discover that she and her songs were known by a generation of rockabilly fans her grandchildren's age, soon assembled her own band and returned to clubs and festivals, where she continues to perform.
In recent years Jackson has recorded with such artists as The Cramps, Lee Rocker, Dave Alvin, and Elvis Costello. 2006 saw the release of a new Jackson album, I Remember Elvis.
In 2009, it was announced that Jackson would start work on new recordings with Jack White. The resulting album, The Party Ain't Over, was released on January 25, 2011. It included a cover of the Bob Dylan rockabilly song, "Thunder on the Mountain" and the Amy Winehouse song "You Know I'm No Good". On January 20, 2011, she performed with Jack White on The Late Show With David Letterman and again on January 25, 2011, on Conan.
Thunder On The Mountain
Wanda Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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
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!