Lyrics John Henry - Bill Monroe

Now I like to do the other side of our new record
"John Henry, The Steel Driving Man"

John Henry was a little colored boy
You could hold him on the palm of your hand
And his papa cried out this lonesome farewell
"Son gonna be a steel drivin' man, Lord, Lord
Son gonna be a steel drivin' man"

John Henry went upon the mountain
Looked down on the other side
Lord, the mountain was so tall
John Henry was so small
He laid down his hammer and he cried, Lord, Lord
He laid down his hammer and he cried

John Henry walked through the tunnel
Had his captain by his side
The last words that John Henry said was
Bring me a cool drink of water 'fore I die Lord, Lord
Cool drink of water 'fore I die

John Henry hammered on the right-hand side
Steam drill hand was on the left
Before I'll would see that steam drill beat me down
I'll hammer my poor self to death, Lord, Lord
Hammer my poor self to death

John Henry told his captain
I want to go to bed
Lord fix me a pallet, I want to lay down
Got a mighty roaring in my head Lord, Lord
Mighty roaring in my head

Thank you, thank you that number right there
Has been a great player on the Grand Ole Opry
And we hope you enjoy it
Don't forget that it's on Decca records
Next up "The Devil's Dream"