Smokestack Lightning
Howlin' Wolf
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Oh-oh, smokestack lightning Shinin', just like gold Why don't ya hear me cryin'? Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo Whoa, oh, tell me, baby What's the matter with you? Why don't ya hear me cryin'? Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo Whoa-oh, tell me, baby Where did ya stay last night? Why don't ya hear me cryin'? Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo Whoa, oh, stop your train Let her, go for a ride Why don't ya hear me cryin'? Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo Whoa, oh, fare ya well Never see, ah, you no more Why don't ya hear me cryin'? Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo Whoa, oh, who been here baby, since Ah, I been gone? Little bitty boy? Girl, be on Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo-hoo, oh Ah-hoo
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Written by: Chester Burnett
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Origin of the Song"Smokestack Lightning" is a blues song recorded by Howlin' Wolf in 1956.
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Unique StyleThe song is noted for its driving rhythm, haunting sound and Howlin' Wolf's vocal expressions of passion.
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Work of a Legendary ArtistHowlin' Wolf, whose real name is Chester Burnett, is one of the giants of American blues music. He's considered one of the leading performers in electric blues.
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InspirationThe song was inspired by the sight of the sparks and smoke from nighttime train lines, which Wolf recalled from his childhood experiences in the Mississippi Delta region.
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Song Structure"Smokestack Lightning" doesn't abide by the typical 12- or 16-bar blues pattern and has a relatively unorthodox chord sequence.
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Multiple Song VersionsOver the years, different versions of the song have been made by performers such as The Yardbirds, The Animals, Soundgarden and many others.
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Influence in Popular CultureThe song played a crucial part in popularising the now-iconic 'Wolf Howl' motif in blues and rock and roll.
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Awards and Recognition"Smokestack Lightning" was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the category of '500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll'.
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Music ChartsThe song achieved commercial success and reached number eleven on the R&B Juke Box chart.
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Part of Movie SoundtracksIt has also been added to several movie soundtracks including "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "Cadillac Records".
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Citation
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"Smokestack Lightning Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31622774/Howlin%27+Wolf/Smokestack+Lightning>.
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