What does the term smokestack lightning actually refer to?

Answer 1

The term "smokestack lightning" is a metaphorical description of lightning that appears to zigzag down from the sky in a way that resembles smoke billowing out of a factory smokestack. It is often used in Blues Music lyrics to symbolize a powerful and destructive force, reflecting the intensity and unpredictability of a thunderstorm. The phrase was popularized by blues musician Howlin' Wolf in his song "Smokestack Lightning."

Answer 2

Well, isn't that just a lovely question! "Smokestack Lightning" is actually a term that originated in blues music. It refers to the sight of lightning flashing out of a dark storm cloud, resembling the smokestacks of old steam trains. It's a poetic way to describe the powerful and mesmerizing beauty of a lightning storm.

Answer 3

Well, honey, "Smokestack Lightning" is a classic blues song by Howlin' Wolf, but the term itself refers to the sight of smoke billowing out of industrial smokestacks. It's a metaphor for power, energy, and the grit of the working class. So next time you hear it, just remember it's not about a thunderstorm, it's about that good ol' industrial revolution vibe.

Answer 4

Origins of Smokestack Lightnin'Smokestacks were a common feature of factories in the age of steam. The coal ,furnace fired the boiler which produced the steam that ran throughout the factory, powering the equipment of production.

The smokestacks were quite high, often the highest thing in the town. Their smoke, thick and black bellowed forth day and night.

When thunderstorms came through town, the lightning often struck the high point of town first - the smokestack. The lightning crackled through the black smoke and the rain creating an eerie, frightening and hellish apparition in the night sky.

To residents who may have imbibed too much liquor (or moonshine!), the spectacle took on an other worldly, almost demonic appearance that stuck in the memory long after the booze wore off. The drink itself came to be known as 'smokestack lightnin'' as it's power surely was the cause of the nightmarish memories.

-Spencer Benedict

I disagree. I think the phrase begun when Howlin' Wolf mishead the lyrics in Charley Patton's "Moon Going Down". Patton's records were popular in the South and Howling Wolf in particular admired Patton. The actual line from Patton was, "Ah the smokestack's black, babe / Bell it shines like gold". Patton's idiosyncratic articulation of "black, babe" sounds a lot like "lightning". I think that's where the whole thing started, and from there people began reconstructing the phrase to give it meaning.

-Uncle Sinner

Correction -

The 'smokestack' Wolf is referring to is from a locomotive train. From the Wolf himself- "We used to sit out in the country and see the trains go by, watch the sparks come out of the smokestack. That was smokestack lightning"

Answer 5

It depends on how the term "smokestack lightning" is used. In reference to trains, it would be the sparks from out of the smokestack.

In another, would be the drinking or effects of drinking liquor, "smokestack lightning".

Answer 6

"Smokestack Lightning" is a blues song released by Howlin' Wolf in 1956. The term refers to the vertical stacks on industrial buildings that exhaust smoke from factories or locomotives. In the song, the term symbolizes power, energy, and thunderstorms.