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Much of the John Henry story can be traced to the author Guy Johnson, who published a book called John Henry: Tracking Down a Negro Legend in 1929. Johnson obtained lyrics to the song that he estimated were written down in 1900.
Apr 24, 2024 · The Lyrics of “John Henry”. The lyrics of “John Henry” are simple but powerful. The song tells the story of a man who works tirelessly to drive railroad spikes into the ground, even in the face of great adversity. The chorus of the song captures the essence of John Henry’s spirit: “John Henry was a steel-driving man / But he went ...
May 13, 2024 · John Henry, hero of a widely sung African American folk ballad. It describes his contest with a steam drill, in which John Henry crushed more rock than the machine did but died ‘with his hammer in his hand.’. Writers and artists see in John Henry a symbol of the worker’s foredoomed struggle against the machine.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Nov 5, 2023 · Who wrote the song “John Henry”? The origins of the song can be traced back to African-American communities in the Southern United States. While the specific author’s identity is unknown, folklorists like Alan Lomax played a significant role in preserving and popularizing the song.
- Kelly Huffman
Dec 30, 2023 · The song “John Henry” tells the captivating story of a legendary African American folk hero who was known for his unparalleled strength and determination. The lyrics reveal John Henry as a baby, already displaying his affinity for hammers, proclaiming that they will be the death of him.
When John Henry was a little babe. A-holding to his mama's hand. Says, "If I live till I'm 21. I'm going to make a steel-driving man, my babe. I'm going to make a steel-driving man". When John Henry was a little boy. A-sitting on his father's knee. Says, "The Big Bend Tunnel on the C&O Road. Is going to be the death of me, my babe".
Several versions of the ballad "John Henry" may be found in the collections of the American Folklife Center. The recordings available online include Arthur Bell singng the song while beating time as if hammering and Harold Hazelhurst singing "John Henry" as a work song for driving railroad spikes. The song probably originated as a work song, like these versions, for work involving the use of a ...
