Well, that nine pound hammer is a little too heavy
For my size, honey, for my size
Roll on, buddy, pull a load o' coal
Now how you gonna roll, roll, roll, when the wheels won't roll?
Well, it's a long way to Harlem, it's a long way to Hazard
Just to get a little brew, my friend, get a little brew
And that nine pound hammer it done killed John Henry
It ain't a gonna kill me, no siree, it ain't gonna kill me
Roll on, buddy, pull a load o' coal
Now how you gonna, roll, roll, roll, when the wheels won't roll?
I'm goin' on that mountain, I'm gonna see my baby
And I ain't comin' back, no siree, I ain't comin' back
And when I'm long gone, well, you can make my tombstone
Out of number nine coal, my friend, number nine coal
Roll on, buddy, pull a load o' coal
Now how you gonna roll, roll, roll, when the wheels won't go?
Yeah, roll on, buddy, pull a load o' coal
Now how you gonna roll, roll, roll, when them wheels won't go
When them wheels won't go roll on, buddy?