Benny Bleu - Death of John Henry

Death of John Henry

Out in the west heard of John Henry's death, couldn't hardly stay in bed.
Standing in the rain caught the east bound train, going where John Henry's dead.

They took old John Henry to the graveyard, looked at him good and long.
Very last thing that they said to the man, “Poor boy is dead and gone.'

John Henry's wife wore a brand new dress, it was all trimmed in blue.
Very last thing that she said to the man, “Honey I've been good to you.'

John Henry said to his shaker, “Shake now while I sing.
Drag that hammer from my shoulder, you're bound to hear that hammer ring.”

John Henry said to his captain, “I am a Tennessee Man.
'Fore I let a steam drill drive me down, down with a hammer in my hand.”

John Henry hammered on the mountain, til his hammer caught fire.
Very last thing that he said in the world, “Cool drink of water 'fore I die.”