Lyrics
THE BALLAD OF HENRY RIDGE
Words and Music by John Cannon
It had been a peaceful night, but just before the sun
You could feel the Santa Ana Winds begin to howl.
Well, Henry was no stranger to the danger of the wind,
So, he and Mime saddled up to ride.
On the trail above Topanga, Henry looked to the Northeastern sky,
The smoke was dark, but high, he knew there would be some time.
They were joined by two more riders, White Fox and Looking Horse.
There was one course. They might save their homes, if they could clear the ridge.
So they picked up their tools and they tore into the mountain’s hide.
And they hitched up a team to Greiser’s machine and they pulled it along.
They knew at night, the wind would die and they could take a stand.
They’d try to stop the fire at Henry Ridge.
Along came Russell-Dean, with his family on the run. He screamed,
“LA County’s burning up, you will surely die!”
They answered him in silence, knowing there was a chance he could be right.
But they worked until the sun was going down.
Yes, they picked up their tools and they tore into the mountain’s hide.
And they hitched another team to Greiser’s machine and they pulled it along.
They knew at night, the wind would die and they would take a stand.
They’d try to stop the fire at Henry Ridge.
Long fire-filled solo
As the fire roared like thunder up the far side of the ridge,
The smoke was so thick, you could not even see your hand.
Then all at once the smoke cleared and the fire settled down,
‘Cause there was nothing left up on the ridge to burn.
Well, the last of the sparks were put out, before they could take hold
And you know while all this was going on Grandfather had never moved.
Suddenly, he jumped up and said “Job well done, let us celebrate with a feast.
Then tomorrow we must get ready for the rain!”
So they picked up their tools and they tore into the mountain’s hide.
And they hitched another team to Greiser’s machine and they pulled it along.
They knew at night, the wind would die and they could take a stand.
The night they stopped the fire at Henry Ridge.
The night they stopped The Fire At Henry Ridge.
Words and Music by John Cannon