The Ballad Of John Henry

Listen, in every heart there burns a flame
For the love of glory or the dread of shame
But, oh how happy we would be if we understood
There is no safety but in doing good

People out West heard of John Henry's death
Couldn't hardly stay in bed
Monday morning on the eastbound train
Goin' where John Henry's dead
Goin' where John Henry's dead

Carried John Henry to the graveyard
They looked at him good and long
Very last words his wife said to him
'My husband he is dead and gone
My husband he is dead and gone'

John Henry's wife wore a brand new dress
It was all trimmed in blue
Very last words she said to him
'Honey, I bin good to you
Honey, I bin good to you'

John Henry told a shaker
'Lord, a-shake while I sing
Pullin' a hammer from my shoulder
Bound to hear her when she ring
Bound to hear her when she ring'

John Henry told his captain
'I am a Tennessee man
Before I would see that steam drill beat me down
Die with the hammer in my hand
Die with the hammer in my hand

John Henry hammered in the mountain
Till the hammer caught on fire
Very last words I heard him say
'A cool drink of water 'fore I die
A cool drink of water 'fore I die'