“Mighty Day (Wasn't That a Mighty Storm)”

Description

The story of the Galveston tidal wave. Despite evacuation efforts, many die on land and at sea. Chorus something like, "Wasn't that a mighty day/storm, when the storm winds struck/swept the town."

Notes

This song shares many of its lyrics, and even some musical elements, with "Wasn't That a Mighty Time (Galveston Flood)." It is quite likely that the two have common roots. The "feel" of the resulting songs is so different, however, that I list them as separate pieces.

The "popular" version, as recorded by the Chad Mitchell trio, reportedly was touched up somewhat by Bob Gibson. - RBW

In the LC version... the chorus is: "Wasn't that a mighty storm/Wasn't that a mighty storm, great water/Wasn't that a mighty storm/That blew the people away." - PJS

Historical references

• Sep 8, 1900 - Galveston hurricane and flood. Some 6000 die

Cross references

• cf. "Wasn't That a Mighty Time (Galveston Flood)" (subject, floating lyrics)

Recordings

• "Sin-Killer" Griffin & congregation, "Wasn't That a Mighty Storm" (AFS 185 B2, 1934; on LC10)

References

1. Botkin-SoFolklr, p. 728, "Wasn't That a Mighty Storm!" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. Silber-FSWB, p. 53, "Mighty Day" (1 text)
3. DT, MIGHTDAY
4. Roud #12206
5. BI, BSoF728