Ralph Stanley The Death 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's 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 east bound train
Going where John Henry's dead
Going where John Henry's dead
They carried John Henry to the graveyard
They looked at him good and long
The very last words his wife said to him
My husband he's dead and gone
My husband he's dead and gone
John Henry's wife wore a brand new dress
It was all trimmed in blue
The very last words she said to him
Honey I been good to you
Honey I been good to you
John Henry told the Shaker
Lord shake while I sing
Pulling a hammer from my shoulder
Bound to hear her when she rings
Bound to hear her when she rings
John Henry told his captain
I am a Tennessee man
Before I would see that steam drill beat me down
Die with a hammer in my hand
Die with a hammer in my hand
John Henry hammered in the mountain
Till the hammer caught on fire
Very last words I heard him say
Cool drink of water before I die
Cool drink of water before I die
