Johnny Cash – The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer

Johnny Cash: A Hammering Ballad of American Folklore

If you’re a fan of classic country music, then the name Johnny Cash is undoubtedly familiar. The “Man in Black” had a voice that could soothe a troubled soul and a talent for storytelling that could transport you to another time and place. One such song that perfectly encapsulates Cash’s ability to connect with his audience is “The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer.”

Background

This iconic track, released on Cash’s 1963 album Blood, Sweat, and Tears, is a powerful ballad that pays homage to the American folk hero, John Henry. The song tells the tale of a legendary steel-driver who challenged a steam-powered hammer in a race to drive railroad spikes. While the story is steeped in folklore, Cash’s rendition breathes new life into this timeless tale.

“The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the American worker. Cash’s deep, resonant voice captures the raw power and determination of John Henry, as he battles against both man and machine. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the grueling labor involved in building the railroad, and the immense physical and emotional toll it took on those who worked on it.

The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, with a driving rhythm and a mournful melody that perfectly complements Cash’s vocals. The instrumentation is sparse, allowing the lyrics and Cash’s voice to take center stage. The combination of Cash’s powerful vocals and the haunting melody creates a truly unforgettable listening experience.

Beyond the powerful storytelling and musical prowess, “The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer” also carries a deeper meaning. The song can be seen as an allegory for the human struggle against the relentless march of progress. John Henry’s ultimate defeat at the hands of the machine serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.

In conclusion, “The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. Cash’s heartfelt performance, combined with the powerful lyrics and haunting melody, make this song a must-listen for fans of country music and American folk tales alike. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Johnny Cash or simply appreciate great storytelling, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

John Henry’s Papy woke him up one midnight
He said before the sheriff comes I wanna tell you, listen boy
Said learn to ball a jack, learn to lay a track, learn to pick and shovel too, and

Take my hammer, it’ll do anything you tell it to
John Hery’s mammie had about a dozen babies, John Henry’s papie told tale about a
Dozen times
The babies all got sick and when the doctor wanted money, he said i’ll pay you quarter
At a time, startin’ tomorow, that’s the pay for a steel driver on this line
Then the section foreman said hey hammer swinger, i see you brought your own hammer
Boy, but what else can all those muscles do?

And he said, I can turn a jack, I can lay a track, I can pick and shovel too
(Can you swing a hammer boy?)
I can i’ll do anything you hire me to

Now ain’t you something so high and mighty with your muscles, just go ahead pick
Up that hammer, pick up the hammer

He said get a rusty spike and swing it down three times, i’ll pay you a nickel a
Day for every inch you sink it to, go on and do what you say you can do

With a steep nose hammer on a four foot switch panel, John Henry raised it back till
It touched his heels, then the spike went through the cross tie and it split it half
In two, 35 cents a day for driven steel
(Sweat sweat boy, sweat, you owe me two more swings)
I was born for driven steel

Well John Henry hammered in the mountain, he’d give a grunt and he’d give groan with
Every swing, the women folks for miles around, heard him and come down, to watch him
Make the cold steel ring, lord what a swinger, just listen to that cold steel ring
But the bad boss come up laughing at John Henry, said you full of vinegar now, but
You bout through, were gonna get a steam drill to do your share of drivin, then what’s
All them muscles gonna do, huh John Henry, gonna take a little bit of vinegar out
Of you
John Henry said i feed four little brothers, and my baby sister’s walking on her
Knees, did the lord say that machines outta take the place of living, and what’s a
Subsitute for bread and beans, I ain’t seen it, do engines get rewarded for their
Steam

John Henry hid in a coal mine for his dinner now, had thirty minutes to rest before
The bell, the mine boss hollered get up whoever you are and get a pick ax, give me
Enough coal to start another hill, and keep it burning, mine me enough to start another
Hill