Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Johnny Horton’s “Sink the Bismarck” Is The Battle Outcry That Will Keep You Hooked

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

The 1960 march song “Sink the Bismarck” was recorded by Johnny Horton and co-written by the country singer himself with songwriter Tillman Franks. The single was released under Columbia Records, and with its folk-country style that made use of a catchy children’s song tune, it peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

RELATED: Get to Know More About Johnny Horton With These Interesting Facts

The track was inspired by the same-titled 1960 film as it was actually commissioned by the film production company 20th Century Fox with the approval of producer John Brabourne. That is, they were worried that the topic was too obscure in the US and wouldn’t attract an audience. The song was only used in the trailer for the films to build popularity and wasn’t heard in the film itself. 

The Epic History Behind

There are not a lot of popular country songs about war, but one of the famous ones is a song called “Sink The Bismarck” by Johnny HortonYes, this was inspired by a true historical event about how the British sank one of the most feared warships that the Germans produced though there were a few inaccuracies just as the switching of the size comparisons of guns and shells. Nevertheless, it was a great narration of an epic event that happened during World War II. 

The Bismarck was one of Germany’s aces during the war, it was the fastest ship, and it was loaded with humongous guns, and its cannon shells were as big as trees. It was a foggy night, the seas were full of mists when the British seamen came out of nowhere riding The Hood, ready to ambush the Bismarck. They knew and understood that everything must be done to finally put an end to the bringer of doom. And so, they went in with guns blazing with “Sink the Bismarck!” as their war cry, but when the Bismarck started firing and all the smoke went down, The Hood found itself in desolation.

But that attempt to destroy the ship was not completely futile. The warship may have survived, but it was left wounded, so they tried relentlessly to follow her trail for six days. And on the seventh day of pursuit, when all of the fog and smoke went down, they finally found the warship. The British admiral told everyone to focus their guns on Bismarck, and the first shell fired proved to be fatal. That was when they would not be able to last, so they continued firing, and the once mighty warship was now just a memory. ‘Sink the Bismarck!” was the war cry that reverberated throughout the seven seas.

Johnny Horton’s “Sink the Bismarck” is one of Johnny Horton songs that everyone should hear about. It’s a really great historical song that taught one of the most important moments in history in a fun and catchy way. You can listen to it by clicking the video below.

Latest Stories

Jessica Simpson returns to the stage after 15 years at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, sparking mixed reactions from fans and critics.

Jessica Simpson Returns To The Stage After 15 Years But Not Everyone Is Impressed

Jessica Simpson is no stranger to the spotlight, but over the weekend, she stepped onto a stage she hadn’t touched in 15 years—and the response was anything but unanimous. Performing ...

Bryson Quick stuns American Idol judges with a country twist on Pink Floyd’s Time, earning a golden ticket and a Grand Ole Opry invitation.

Bryson Quick Turns Pink Floyd Country on American Idol, Earns Grand Ole Opry Invitation

American Idol delivers jaw-dropping moments every season, but 17-year-old Bryson Quick just raised the bar. The Tennessee native walked into his audition, guitar in hand, and put a country spin ...

Dollywood’s future is secure with Dolly Parton’s careful planning, ensuring her vision and legacy will continue for generations to come.

What Will Happen to Dollywood When Dolly Parton Is No Longer Here

Dolly Parton is more than just the heart and soul of Dollywood—she is Dollywood. Her signature warmth, creativity, and commitment to her Smoky Mountain roots have turned the Pigeon Forge ...

Speculation about Carrie Underwood’s lips resurfaces, but fans argue her talent, not her appearance, should be the real focus.

Why Carrie Underwood’s Lips Look Different Now Than They Did Years Ago

Carrie Underwood is no stranger to public scrutiny. The country superstar has spent nearly two decades in the spotlight, winning awards, dominating charts, and setting the gold standard for powerhouse ...

Morgan Wallen turns heads at the SEC Championship in Nashville, rocking a Tennessee hoodie and cheering courtside for the Vols.

Morgan Wallen Turns Heads at SEC Championship Game in Nashville [PICS]

Morgan Wallen may be one of country music’s biggest stars. Still, this weekend, he was just another passionate Tennessee Volunteers fan. The “Last Night” singer made a courtside appearance at ...

Kelly Clarkson missed The Kelly Clarkson Show due to a sudden family emergency, leaving fans concerned as they await her return.

Kelly Clarkson Was Missing From Her Own Show Due To A Sudden Family Emergency

Kelly Clarkson has never been one to leave her fans in the dark. So when she suddenly vanished from The Kelly Clarkson Show in early March, viewers immediately knew something ...

Ronnie Dunn and Parker McCollum share a viral onstage moment at Boots In The Park, leaving fans debating if it was a check or just playful ribbing.

Did Ronnie Dunn Check Parker McCollum Over His Gold Chain on Stage?

Country music thrives on tradition, but a new generation shakes things up every now and then. That’s why a viral onstage exchange between Brooks & Dunn’s Ronnie Dunn and rising ...

Dolly Parton reveals her favorite way to enjoy Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread—loaded with both icing and apple butter, of course!

Dolly Parton’s Favorite Way to Eat Cinnamon Bread Is As Sweet as She Is

When it comes to comfort food, few things can top warm, buttery cinnamon bread fresh from the oven. And if there’s anyone who knows how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, ...

How the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two Became a Country Music Landmark

Some songs don’t just get recorded—they get passed down like family heirlooms, carrying the weight of history. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” is one of those rare songs, a gospel ...

Kris Kristofferson’s Why Me Lord remains a timeless country gospel anthem, born from a spiritual awakening and filled with grace and redemption.

Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me Lord” Remains a Timeless Country Gospel Anthem

Some songs feel like a conversation with the heavens. Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me Lord” is one of those rare tracks that turns a deeply personal moment into something universal. Released ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.