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John Henry's Grave

from Mid​-​Continental Blues by T. R. Munday

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about

John Henry. American Folk hero. His name is practically synonymous with 'Steel Driving Man.' He stands for all the laborers that the built the American railroads and for every working man who takes pride in what he can do. The story of John Henry's race against a mechanized steam drill is well known. He beat the drill, in the race, but he died afterwards and his story has been immortalized in song and folk tales around the world. No one knows for sure where he is buried, a number of communities lay claim to being the place where he was laid to rest, but no one knows for sure.
This song is done in a Folk Blues style, with old fashioned modified Carter style guitar picking and harmonica.

lyrics

John Henry's Grave
T R Munday
Copyright 2018

Oh John Henry swung that hammer
Oh John Henry swung it high
Oh John Henry swung that hammer
Swung that hammer 'till he died

Oh John Henry where's your grave at?
When they finally laid you down?
Oh John Henry where's your grave at?
All I know, it's hallowed ground

Oh John Henry do your bones lay
In some old unmarked grave?
Oh John Henry do your bones lay
'Long some railroad right of way?

Oh John Henry are you restin'
Where those locomotives go?
Oh John Henry are you restin'
Where those lonesome whistles blow?

Oh John Henry are you buried
In some old church ground?
Oh John Henry, granite headstone
And your family close around?

Oh John Henry swung that hammer
Oh John Henry swung it high
Oh John Henry swung that hammer
Swung that hammer 'till he died

Oh John Henry where's your grave at?
When they finally laid you down?
Oh John Henry where's your grave at?
All I know, it's hallowed ground

credits

from Mid​-​Continental Blues, released August 1, 2018
photo: Wikimedia Commons or other public domain historical source

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all rights reserved

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T. R. Munday image

T. R. Munday Chicago, Illinois

If you enjoy the Blues, check out Anni Piper's vocals and her great bass guitar: annipiper.bandcamp.com

T. R. Munday resides in Northern Illinois, by way of Texas and California.
Musically, he has been most influenced by Mississippi John Hurt, Johnny Cash, and a whole host of Mississippi Delta and Chicago Bluesmen. ... more

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