John Henry Songtext
von Dave Van Ronk

John Henry was a little baby
Sittin′ down on his mammy's knee
Well that big bad tunnel, oh that C&O
Gonna be the death of
It is gonna be the death of me, it is


Well the captain he said to John Henry
Gonna bring that steam drill around
Gonna put that steam drill out on the job
Put that steel on down
Put that steel on down

Well John Henry said to his captain
Well a man ain′t nothing but a man
Well before I will see that steam drill beat me down
I'll die with my hammer in my
Die with my hammer in my hand


Well oh John Henry, oh John Henry
Well the blood am running red
Well he fall right down with his hammer in his hand
I beat him to the bottom but I'm dead
I beat him to the bottom but I′m dead