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

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

I'm going on the mountain just to see my baby
And I ain't coming back, lord, I ain't coming back

Chorus

It's a long way to Harlan, and a long way to Hazard
Just to get a little brew, just get a little brew

Chorus

There ain't one hammer in this tunnel
Got a ring like mine, got a ring like mine

Chorus

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

Chorus

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

Chorus

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

Chorus