
Did you ever wonder why Portland became Oregon’s major shipping city?
Many say that Saint Helens had the ideal location down river, closer to the ocean. The docks and wharves were built and ready to go.
Then a series of mysterious fires crippled the Saint Helens docks just as Portland continued to expand.
Some whispered that the blazes were no accident.
"Wasn't me," said Portland.
Verse 1
Down by the Columbia on a cool crisp night, lamps burned low and the moon was so bright.
Portland struck a match to watch Saint Helens burn, flame spelled a lesson no town should ever learn.
Chorus
Boom, crack, sizzle in the midnight air, dock planks popping, and they're soaked in despair.
Portland smiled as the flames grew so high . . . on The Night That Saint Helens Cried.
Verse 2
Bossman in Portland, with a rich empire, called on Billy and Clyde, matches for hire.
Billy lit a match and tripped on a rope, Clyde lit himself, that guy had no hope.
Chorus
Boom crack sizzle in the midnight air, dock planks popping, and they're soaked in despair.
Portland smiled as the flames grew so high . . . on The Night That Saint Helens Cried.
Verse 3
Bossman rode off on the midnight train, Billy and Clyde were left to take all of the blame.
Fire devoured the mill before dawn’s light, flame swallowed the docks, the Bossman turned out to be right.
Chorus
Boom crack sizzle in the midnight air, dock planks popping, soaked in despair.
Portland smiled while the flames grew so high . . . on The Night That Saint Helens Cried.
The Night That Saint Helens Cried, The Night That Saint Helens Cried.
The docks went, boom boom buh-bye.
And Clyde was like, “wasn’t me this time.”
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