John Henry Was a Little Boy Lyrics

John Henry was a little boy.
Lord, he sat on his papa's knee.
Lord, he picked up a hammer and a little piece of steel,
Said, "This hammer be the death of me.
This hammer be the death of me."
John Henry told his captain,
Says, "I am a Tennessee man.
But before I let that steam drill beat me down,
Lord, I'll die with my hammer in my hand.
I'll die with my hammer in my hand."

C'mon, Johnny!
John Henry told his shaker,
Says, "Shaker, you'd better pray.
Lord, if I miss this six foot steel,
Tomorrow be your buryin' day. (Be careful.)
Tomorrow be your buryin' day."

John Henry walked to the tunnel,
With his captain by his side.
The rock was so tall, John Henry so small,
Lord, he laid down his hammer and cried.
He laid down his hammer and he cried.
John Henry had a lovely little woman.
Name was Polly Ann.
John Henry got sick and he had to go home.
Lord, Polly drove his steel like a man.
Polly drove his steel like a man.

Some woman, boy...