Refrain:
This nine pound hammer is a little too heavy
For my size, honey, for my size

Roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow
Baby, how can I roll when the wheels won't go

Up on the mountain just to see my honey
And I ain't coming back, lord, I ain't coming back

Refrain

It's a long way to Hazard a long way to Harian
Just to get a little booze, just get a little booz

Refrain

Ain't one hammer in this tonnel
That rings like mine that rings like mine

Refrain

It rings like silver and shines like gold
It rings like silver and shines like gold

Refrain

Somebody stole my nine pound hammer
They've took it and gone, they've took it and gone

Refrain

That nine pound hammer that killed John Henry
Ain't a gonna kill me, ain't a gonna kill me

Refrain