Thunder on the Mountain

Bob Dylan

About Thunder on the Mountain

"Thunder On The Mountain" is a song written by Bob Dylan, released in 2006 as the first track on his album Modern Times. The song, alongside "Someday Baby", has had considerable success, garnering more airtime than any other track on the album. Dylan references his former residence, Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan and a former resident, Alicia Keys. He was inspired to write the song after admiring Keys' performance at the Grammys. The song alludes to the bible, with Dylan playing the role of the archangel Gabriel blowing his horn. Prompted by Dylan, American rockabilly singer Wanda Jackson recorded a country version of the song that was released as a single in 2011. The name "Jerry Lee" was substituted for "Alicia Keys". 


Year:
2008
5:52
70 

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Thunder on the mountain, fires on the moon
There's a ruckus in the alley and the sun will be here soon
Today's the day, gonna grab my trombone and blow
Well, there's hot stuff here and it's everywhere I go

I was thinkin' 'bout Alicia Keys, couldn't keep from crying
When she was born in Hell's Kitchen, I was living down the line
I'm wondering where in the world Alicia Keys could be
I been looking for her even 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 to run me away
The writing's on the wall, come read it, come see what it say

Thunder on the mountain, rolling like a drum
Gonna sleep over there, that's where the music coming from
I don't need any guide, I already know the way
Remember this, I'm your servant both night and day

The pistols are poppin' and the power is down
I'd like to try somethin' but I'm so far from town
The sun keeps shinin' and the North Wind keeps picking up speed
Gonna forget about myself for a while, gonna go out and see what others need

I've been sitting down studying the art of love
I think it will fit me like a glove
I want some real good woman to do just what I say
Everybody got to wonder what's the matter with this cruel world today

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 my king
I wouldn't betray your love or any other thing

Gonna raise me an army, some tough sons of bitches
I'll recruit my army from the orphanages
I been to St. Herman's church and I've said my religious vows
I've sucked the milk out of a thousand cows

I got the pork chops, she got the pie
She ain't no angel and neither am I
Shame on your greed, shame on your wicked schemes
I'll say this, I don't give a damn about your dreams

Thunder on the mountain heavy as can be
Mean old twister bearing down on me
All the ladies of Washington scrambling to get out of town
Looks like something bad gonna happen, better roll your airplane down

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

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, the pitchfork's on the shelf
For the love of God, you ought to take pity on yourself

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Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan ( /ˈdɪlən/; born Robert Allen Zimmerman; May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, poet and artist. He has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly reluctant figurehead of social unrest. A number of Dylan's early songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", became anthems for the US civil rights and anti-war movements. Leaving his initial base in the culture of folk music behind, Dylan's six-minute single "Like a Rolling Stone" has been described as radically altering the parameters of popular music in … more »

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Written by: BOB DYLAN

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Release
"Thunder on the Mountain" is the opening song on Bob Dylan’s 32nd studio album, "Modern Times". The album was released in August 2006.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the United States, a rare achievement for Dylan in the 21st century.
Influences
The main riff of the song has a strong resemblance to the song "I Don't Want to Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes" by Chuck Willis.
Lyrical Content
One of the lines in "Thunder on the Mountain" mentions Alicia Keys, a contemporary R&B musician. Dylan speaks about this unexpected reference in a Rolling Stone interview, declaring his admiration for her talent.
Significant Usage
It is the theme song of the CBC Radio One program “Q”, a Canadian arts magazine show.
Live Performances
Dylan performed this song live for the first time at Eastwood Field in Niles, Ohio on August 9, 2006. It has remained a staple in his live sets ever since.
Artist’s Commentary
Bob Dylan commented on the song during a radio interview, suggesting "Thunder on the Mountain" was likely influenced by the chaotic state of the world and his feelings about it.
Critical Reception
Critics lauded the song for its lyrical depth and Dylan's vocal performance. Many considered it a testament to his continued prowess as a songwriter, even in his later career.
Multiple Covers
Artists like Wanda Jackson and others have also covered "Thunder on the Mountain". Wanda's version even features a lyrical adjustment to reference fellow musician Jack White.
Awards
Although the song didn't win any awards itself, the album "Modern Times" won Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.

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