Smoke on the Water (Red Foley song)

"Smoke on the Water" is a country song recorded by Red Foley. Written by Zeke Clements, it was released in 1944 and became one of Foley's signature hits. The song depicts a steamboat fire on the Ohio River, specifically the burning of the Island Queen excursion boat near Cincinnati in 1947, although the song was written before the actual event. The lyrics describe the frantic scene of people fleeing the flames and the subsequent sinking of the vessel. The narrative unfolds with vivid imagery, capturing the danger and chaos of the disaster. The song is characterized by its simple, direct storytelling and traditional country arrangement. While predating the better-known Deep Purple song of the same name, it shares only the title and a theme of fire; the two songs are otherwise unrelated. Foley's recording has been considered a classic example of country storytelling through song, illustrating a specific moment in regional history.