Lyrics of 1741 by Alestorm

Sailing the raging seas
To distant lands unknown.
Porto Bello fell in a day,
Now Britannia rules the waves.
Thirty thousand men at arms,
Red Ensign in the sky.
To Cartagena we set sail,
With blood and plunder we’ll prevail!

Twice struck and twice we’ve failed,
But third time works a charm.
The greatest fleet the world has seen,
To fight the War of Jenkins’ Ear.
Waters lash across the bow
Through Caribbean Seas.
The year is 1741,
The final battle has begun!

The skies are burning with thunder,
The seas are ablaze with flame.
Set the course to Cartagena!
The sands of time will remember our names.
The skies are burning with thunder,
The seas are ablaze with flame.
Set the course to Cartagena!
History is written today!

Across the sea-lashed deck,
Our captain gives a cry:
“Cartagena lies ahead
The Spanish foe will soon be dead!”
Portents of coming doom
Engulf the battle line.
High above, the heavens sigh
A red light burning in the sky.

An omen of dread
Which no man can deny.
The legends hold true.
We must turn back or die.

Superstitious fools
Be gone from my sight.
Blast the trumpets of war
And prepare for the fight!

The skies are burning with thunder,
The seas are ablaze with flame!
Set the course to Cartagena!
The sands of time will remember our names.
The skies are burning with thunder,
The seas are ablaze with flame!
Set the course to Cartagena!
History is written today!

Hard to starboard!
Man the cannons!
And on my command, unleash hell!
Fire!
Show them your steel!
Bring them to death on the battlefield!
Ride on the wind
And conquer the foe!
The legends be damned
To our deaths we will ago!

The skies are burning with thunder,
The seas are ablaze with flame.
Set the course to Cartagena!
The sands of time will remember our names.
The skies are burning with thunder,
The seas are ablaze with flame!
Set the course to Cartagena!
History is written today!

Historical Background

Alestorm’s “1741” is more than a sea shanty—it’s a heavy-hitting retelling of the Battle of Cartagena de Indias. This legendary naval clash between Britain and Spain wasn’t just about ships and cannons; it was about ambition, resilience, and the fate of empires. And Alestorm captures it with all the intensity it deserves.

Setting the Stage

In 1741, the British Empire was hungry for dominance in the Americas. With Spain holding key colonial territories, the British decided to send a message by launching one of the largest fleets in history. Admiral Edward Vernon led the charge with 186 ships and around 30,000 men, aiming to take Cartagena de Indias, a critical Spanish stronghold in modern-day Colombia.

But Spain wasn’t about to fold. The city’s defense was commanded by Blas de Lezo, a one-eyed, one-armed, and one-legged Spanish admiral. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, Lezo turned Cartagena into a fortress, ready to withstand anything the British could throw at it.

The Chaos of Battle

The song mirrors the chaos and desperation of the battle. Vernon’s fleet unleashed a relentless assault, but disease, heat, and Lezo’s brilliant tactics turned the tide. The British soldiers were bogged down by poor planning, and Cartagena’s defenders fought fiercely. Alestorm’s pounding rhythms and aggressive lyrics bring this struggle to life, immersing you in the deafening roar of cannon fire and the cries of battle.

The Aftermath

What was supposed to be a triumph for Britain ended in disaster. The once-mighty fleet limped away, defeated by a smaller but more determined Spanish force. The failure marked a turning point, keeping Spanish dominance in the region intact and stalling British ambitions in the Americas.

Why “1741” Hits Hard

Alestorm doesn’t just sing about history—they bring it to life. “1741” isn’t just about the battle; it’s about grit, strategy, and the underdog spirit. It’s a fiery tribute to those who stood their ground and changed the course of history against all odds.

Watch the video here:

About Niels

Niels believes every historical event has its own rhythm, every era its unique melody, and every story its untold song. He brings history to life, capturing the essence of pivotal moments, fascinating figures, and the cultural transformations that shaped our world. His work makes history not only informative but deeply emotional and memorable.

On this website, you’ll discover his latest songs, insights into his creative process, and curated playlists of his favorite historical tunes. Join Niels on this melodic adventure where every note tells a story, and every story inspires a song.


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