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
