Listen in every heart there burns a flame

For the love of glory or the dread of shame

But oh how happy we would be if we understood

There is no safety but in doing good

People out West heard of John Henry's death

Couldn't hardly stay in bed

Couldn't hardly stay in bed

Monday morning on the eastbound train

Goin' where John Henry's dead

Goin' where John Henry's dead

Carried John Henry to the graveyard

They looked at him good and long

Very last words I heard his wife said

My husband he is dead and gone

My husband he is dead and gone

John Henry's wife wore a brand new dress

It was all trimmed in blue

Very last words I heard that who can said

Darling I bin true to you

Darling I bin true to you

Darling Shake a sin

Then John Henry Lord a shake while I swiming

Swiming a hammer from my shoulder

Bound to hear her when she ring

Bound to hear her when she ring

John Henry hammered in the mountain

Till the hammer caught on fire

Very last words I heard who would say

A cool drink of water before I die

Cool drink of water before I die

Cool drink of water

Cool drink of water

Cool drink of water before I die