Thunder and Lightning

Under Appreciated

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING
 
 

Johnny No” by the Primitives is identified by Mal Ryder and others as being a cover of “Thunder and Lightning”; I have been unable to find the connection, however.  Most of the songs called Thunder and Lightning that are mentioned on the Internet were released long after this song. 

 

The only song that I know of which (barely) predates Johnny No is “Knock on Wood” (written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper) that features the dramatic lyric:  “It’s like thunder . . . lightning / The way you love me is frightening”.  Otis ReddingDavid Bowie and Eric Clapton all recorded versions of this song; however, Knock on Wood doesn’t sound at all like Johnny No to me.  (I finally thought to track it down through the songwriting credits; Johnny No” is based on a 1963 Hoyt Axton song that I did not know called “Thunder N’ Lightnin’” that Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs also released as a “B” side).   

 

(May 2015)

 

Last edited: March 22, 2021