The Ballad of John Henry

Album: The Ballad of John Henry (2009)
Play Video
  • Who killed John Henry , In the battle of sinners and saints
    Who killed John Henry , In the battle of sinners and saints

    Take this hammer carry it to the Captain , Tell him why I'm gone
    Take this hammer carry it to the Captain , Tell him I'm goin' home

    I don't want your cold iron shackles around my leg
    I don't want your cold iron shackles around my leg

    Who killed John Henry , In the battle of sinners and saints
    Who killed John Henry , In the battle of sinners and saints

    I'm a long way from Colorado , A long way from my home...
    Get the hammer that killed John Henry , Won't kill me no more
    Gimme the hammer that killed John Henry , 'cause it won't kill me
    Gimme the hammer that killed John Henry , 'cause it won't kill me

    Who killed John Henry , In the battle of sinners and saints
    Who killed John Henry , In the battle of sinners and saints

    Take this hammer carry it to the Captain , Tell him I'm goin' home
    Take this hammer carry it to the Captain , Tell him why I'm gone
    I'm a wanted man with the Captain
    I'm a wanted man in the shackles
    I'm a wanted man in the shackles
    I'm a wanted man .....

    Who killed John Henry , In the battle of sinners and saints
    Who killed John Henry , In the battle of sinners and saints
    Ohhhh Ohhhhhhh

    I killed John Henry , In the battle of sinners and saints
    Ohhhh Ohhhhhhhhh Writer/s: JOE BONAMASSA
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Jasmine John Henry was a prisoner (trivial charges) that was released to a labor camp. He died of silicosis. His lyrics make sense and are a more accurate depiction of his life.
  • Robert from U..s.Well, why does bonamassa talk about John Henry being in shackles? And John Henry being a "wanted man". He was not a slave at the time he was working for the rail road Right? And he was not a wanted man? Never read about John Henry being in shackles.... He was a living legend, at the time the song is talking about! supposed to be one of the strongest, or the strongest, man in the U.S. at the time! Nobody killed him, from what i read too? The legend says, or some said, he died of a heart attack after beating the steam drill in that contest, to see if John Henry could beat a steam drill. People that knew him, said he did not die soon after winning the contest.... I do not understand the lyrics of the song! Anyone know if Bonamassa ever really explained the lyrics? He did write the lyrics? Right?
  • Mark from Qca, IaJoe's "stop" video is good.
    Bonamassa's always a good live show too
    seen him 3 times now
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lecrae

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Kevin Godley

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.

Facebook, Bromance and Email - The First Songs To Use New Words

Facebook, Bromance and Email - The First Songs To Use New WordsSong Writing

Where words like "email," "thirsty," "Twitter" and "gangsta" first showed up in songs, and which songs popularized them.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.