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The song “John Henry” narrates the story from the challenge to Henry’s triumph to his death as a result.
lyrics. Songfacts®: This folk song tells the story of John Henry, an enormous man who worked on the Big Bend Tunnel near Talcott, West Virginia. The tunnel was carved through the Big Bend Mountain so the railroad could go through it instead of around it.
Apr 24, 2024 · John Henry is a symbol of hard work, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of the common people. The song’s themes of struggle and triumph resonate with listeners from all walks of life, and it has become a fixture at protest rallies and political rallies alike.
Album: various ( 1890) songfacts ®. 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.
“John Henry” is a traditional American folk song that dates back to the late 19th century. The lyrics depict the legendary tale of John Henry, an African American “steel-driving man” who worked on the railroad during the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.
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.
BACKGROUND: The Ballad of John Henry was an Afro-American folk song dating back to the late 1800s. The song tells of a man who worked as a steel driver when the railroads were being built across Western America. John was so good at his job, that he was put up against a steam powered hammer in a race to see who would complete the job faster.
