Death Of John Henry (Steel Driving Man)

People out West heard of John Henry's death Couldn't hardly stay in bed Monday morning on the East-bound train Goin' where John Henry sits dead, oh Lord Goin' where John Henry sits dead Carried John Henry to the graveyard They looked at him good and long Very last words his wife said to him "My husband he is dead and gone, oh Lord 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 he said to her "Honey, I've been good to you, good Lord Honey, I've been good to you" You talk about John Henry as much as you please Say and do all you can There never was born in this United States Another such a steel-driving man, good Lord Another such a steel-driving man John Henry hammered in the mountain 'Til his hammer caught on fire Very last words I heard him say "Cool drink of water 'fore I die, oh Lord Cool drink of water 'fore I die"