This nine pound hammer is a little too heavy
For my size, Buddy for my size
Refrain:
Roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow
How can I roll, when the wheels won't roll
I'm going to the mountain, just to see my baby
And I ain't coming back, no I ain't coming back
There ain't one hammer, down in this tunnel
That can ring like mine, that can ring like mine
Refrain:
Rings like silver, shines like gold
Rings like silver, shines like gold
This old hammer, it killed John Henry
Ain't gonna kill me, ain't gonna kill me
It's a long way to Harlan, and a long way to Hazard
Just to get a little booze, just to get a little booze
Buddy when I'm log gone, won't you make my tombstone
Out of number nine coal, out of number nine coal
Verse and Refrain:
| I | I | IV | IV |
| I | V | I | I |