Legend of John Henry's Hammer~Johnny Cash

Dedicated to my late father. 'You sure was a hammer swinger'. (Maul swinging wood splitter extraordinaire) This song has played in my mind literally hundreds of times while splitting wood. Technology finally allowed me to make it visual. Johnny Cash would have been 84 years old today.

[@Scharpy1]

Well, quite a few seem to like that one. You might like this too. Made for myself but will share a little Tennessee Ernie Ford. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3zVZ3l_jaeUkJo

[@slartybarfastb3648]

God bless the hammer swingers of the world!

[@otisgetman4341]

🤩

[@markjardel4844]

Agreed

[@brentreed7066]

Thank you

[@ElindorBG]

I like Tom Morello's cover best :)

[@AColonDashSix]

John Henry’s battle with the steam driver was flat out badass Guy died a winner, and he died for the working man, that’s why he’s a hero

[@FH-cn3mg]

It is an amazing legend and song about the strength of the human spirit.

[@Horiatis76]

I’ve lived my life in John Henry’s way!

[@RakRescue]

And he died with his hammer in his hand that is about as honest one can be

[@gabriellaham7619]

Fantazamazing

[@matthewwhalen7538]

You God Damned RighT SuN :)

[@TheRealTomahawk]

John Henry said to his captain “A man ain’t nothing but a man but if you bring that steam drill around I’ll beat it fair and honest. I’ll die with my hammer in my hand, and I’ll be laughing because you can’t replace a steel drivin man.”

[@james9564]

Amen to a real man of grit and grind not the stuff their made of today.

[@vampirecow88]

John Henry is a very underrated American folk hero.

[@jonahwashburn9573]

so is Johnny Cash

[@bryson6057]

He is one of the most well known.

[@jonahwashburn9573]

@@bryson6057 I know, but he's still underrated

[@jonahwashburn9573]

@The polish Crusader well I'm glad you like him that much. all I'm saying is that it's a shame he's not more well-known or appreciated than he is, especially by the younger generations. hence, underrated.

[@jonahwashburn9573]

@The polish Crusader great

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Rest in peace Mr Henry and Mr. Cash. This is one legend singing about another.

[@robertjanes76]

A M E N. my blue collor work mates. 40 yrs. & retired 😎

[@katarinatibai8396]

💯🎯🤗❤😘👋

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@robertjanes76 🤗

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@katarinatibai8396 🤗

[@peterbartolomeo5542]

He wasn't a real person. He was a fable. The spirit of the poor hardworking man.

[@josephschultz3301]

"Do engines get rewarded for their steam?" You swing that hammer, John. I swear I'm not crying right now.

[@ebbiebob]

Not gonna lie, this one gets me misty every time. I want it played when I’m put in the ground. Bury me with my hammer because there’s not anybody willing to work it like I have, cept maybe my own Polly Anne, long live the legend of a working man and God bless ‘em.

[@johncorner4179]

@@ebbiebob Hammer boy , what's all them muscles going to do?

[@user-er2ys7jh7e]

@josephschultz3301, neither am I.😢😢😢😢😢

[@carriecheaung8641]

This song was more of a warning about automation and the spirit of the american working man who cant be replaced by no machine

[@Noblesavage77]

Damn straight 🔥🤘

[@surplusdivision2461]

My company is looking at buying a machine that puts wall studs in place, and another that does roofing. Human are on the verge of obsolescence!

[@henrypaleveda7760]

seems like equal parts of each

[@ericlane132]

Thank u sweet heart

[@pennyforyourthots]

Only if you believe automation and the working man are incompatible, which i don't. Machines always got a working man building, fixing, and supervising em'. Humans are only obsolete when they refuse to adapt, which is our strong suit more than anything else .

[@kaonemothibi3693]

A tribute to the hard working African American man, those that helped to build the great American nation, no racism here, respect for Johnny from Africa.

[@anthonyburdi4899]

This comment straight to the top. Respect.

[@ranchurdhimster4955]

I don't see a hard working black man. I see a hard working man.

[@jrayproductions7790]

Why is there even a mention of racism, here. John Henry is portrayed as a hard-working American Hero, of a legend. A black man is the hero. No racism, here.

[@bigbengamer]

HISTORY sees him that way. Just like history sees the founding fathers as patriots, even though the American Revolution was itself an act of high treason.

[@heidimelendez5623]

Honestly John Henry sounds like an American Hero but the boses sound like the worst types of racists.

[@dominicjordan2078]

Benjamin Filbert Just like history sees britain as tyrants.

[@medicolkie3606]

Ooh-rah

[@henrypaleveda7760]

I know it doesn't say anything bad about anyone being black and the negative things don't have anything to do with race, they are brought on by occupation and finally, the terminology and how different people talk is historical accuracy so it is impossible to try and boil it down beyond what it is and still be respectful to John Henry's memory.

[@sturdyalpaca]

Doc: You have 8 minutes to live Me: Play The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer Doc: But that’s 8 minutes and 23 seconds God: I’ll allow it

[@jk9554]

a bit of unpaid overtime never hurt anyone :)

[@sturdyalpaca]

ReCoM Sce no God does

[@nativeafroeurasian]

@@sturdyalpaca oh sry I'm too stupid to read 😅

[@droboogie8465]

Right on! This might just be the greatest comment ever!

[@AllegedlyControversial]

❤❤❤

[@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt]

This is a man who is bigger than me! From one John Henry to another, Rest in peace. Your name lives on!

[@slitherthewizardofwither6959]

People explaining why the song is not racist 94% People complain about it being racist 0.1% People admiring the song 5.9%

[@mariahspainhower2275]

i love this song because it's about a strong man who doesn't give up. IDK about the other people.

[@candycemalfoy-clarke1505]

Put me in the 5.9%

[@watsonkushmaster3067]

yeah...fucking annoying

[@eddiedean9886]

People analyzing the comments and grouping them into percentages, 0.00077%

[@slitherthewizardofwither6959]

@@eddiedean9886 actually 0000000000.2 with me and you included

[@WILTHEWOLF18]

An American legend. Here in America we don't have the same mythology the other countries have,but we have our folk heroes, tall tales, and icons. So we may not have the same mythology a the other countries but what we do have is pretty cool John Henry is just one example of American legends

[@ezramiller8936]

At least we have the coolest kiju, Paul Bunyan

[@coltsfan79]

I'm almost 60 and i grew up in a rural town racism was still present but from early on the first stories i heard about John Henry they commanded my respect and admiration he was a man of honor, dignity and even humility something each of us should aspire too.

[@darkdragonofflames9785]

I totally agree I'm only 22 but there is not enough people like the old days who will have honor dignity or humility back back in 20's and below and up to the 80's there was honor

[@shtcare]

@@darkdragonofflames9785 Maybe your daddy educated you enough to respect any man and value any mans labour. skin colour's got nothing to do to do with a man doing an honest days work for an honest days pay. seems to be missing these days.

[@fivebrosstopmos]

@@BTBama It wasn't even because he was black, the irish and the chinese got paid the same. They were unskilled labor with low pay, most of what they were working for was their own plot of land along the railroad, which they'd be given once their section of track was done.

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

it's the liberals that caused all this kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3a2nYZon9ebjrs

[@commissaryarrick9670]

This song is praising a strong hard working black man I can't possibly see any hatred or racism in it . We should all aspire to be a John Henry is what I got from it

[@lindellgirten4854]

Stevey nick

[@joeblack534]

Calling a grown man a "boy" is very disrespectful and racist. "Swing boy swing" If you can see that then you are a idiot

[@rodneysnow1937]

joe black not sure if you're joking or not

[@samuellubell4557]

joe black showing racism isn’t racist, the foreman isn’t shown to be a good person

[@joeblack534]

+Samuel Lubell no shit, but acting racist is.

[@donstemen2282]

My dad used this story to teach me how I should think as an American man. I remember him telling me this wen I was very young. It taught me that all I got is my will. From this I learned no country or race or religion is below or above me. All we have is our will to go the extra mile even wen no one is looking

[@mosj9876]

My grand father worked the railroad for a time and swung the mighty hammer after he came back from WWII. He was of Mexican descent. He did mason work and settled at crafting saddles for a living. I didnt get to know him but i heard the struggles he endured.

[@TheRonnie63]

Jonny Cash gave Homage to all working Men!!! Black, white,yellow ,red I Love that!!!!!! A man is a man no matter the color of his Skin bottom line!!!

[@Scharpy1]

Thought that was extremely obvious. But thanks for putting it in print.

[@TheRonnie63]

@@Scharpy1 I love your comment SIR!!!

[@mikebrown5648]

I agree with 100% with you my friend

[@josephhumbles140]

@@definitelynotatroll285 oh yeah yeah

[@definitelynotatroll285]

@@josephhumbles140 Oh yeah yeah.

[@kennethsteele8808]

I drove spikes working on a railroad after I came home from Vietnam ( 1968 ) the foreman told me if I got good enough that you could lay a dime over the dent that the hammer made you were a good spike driver,for a long time it took a nickle to cover the dent ( a lot of days I went home and could barely walk from the hammer ricocheting off that spike and hitting me in the shins,It took a while but I got good enough to just use a dime to cover the dent on top of that spike,drove a keg of spikes a day ( 200).

[@xxscootalooxx4431]

Kenneth Steele Thank you for your service to this country.

[@workinprogress3863]

thank you for your service

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Thank you for serving❤

[@rachelectroDC-84]

This comment is so amazing that it needs its own song. Serving in Vietnam, then coming home and driving spikes on the rails for a living? This is the kind of guy who inspires folktales and legends, just like John Henry!

[@kennethsteele8808]

@@BTBama I was making two dollars and eighty cents an hour.

[@jonny555ive]

Man, could Johnny tell a story and have you enjoy a history lesson. What a man he was.

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing..?

[@TozziWelding]

A song about an amazing man, I can hoist a jack, I can lay a track, I can pick and shovel too. A man that can work, I am Italian and Irish and this song pertains to me.

[@jackiekennedy5372]

THE MAN IN BLACK. one of the best storytellers of our time. rest in peace Johnny Cash

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing?

[@grumblekin]

The legends of the United States that I grew up in: Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, and the unbeatable John Henry. I'd like to think these men are in whatever passes for the Frontier of Heaven, taming tornadoes, clearing space and laying track... The USA today is unrecognizable to me.

[@thomasraahauge5231]

The USA today is unrecognizable to a lot of europeans, too. Then, so is Europe.

[@Talatharas]

You reminded me of the movie 'tall tale'. Sounds very similar. Was an enjoyable vid when I was a kid.

[@thomasraahauge5231]

Talantharas: Unfortunately, Tall Tale never made it across the Atlantic . . .

[@willtailor6813]

I learned about these figures in the Philippines more than I have in the US

[@Dilligaf89]

Makes me think of the movie "Tall Tails"

[@elizabethgaspodnetich4322]

I was just a little girl when I first heard this song and it made me cry. That was at least 50 years ago, and it still makes me cry. There was only one Johnny Cash, and man a live I sure do miss him.

[@ebbiebob]

Misty as we speak. Gets me every time! I’m 45 and John’s my forever hero along side Johnny Cash! Of course!

[@kevinbaird7277]

In these grotesque time this song is pure adoration of a man, no colour, no nothing, just love.

[@shawn8847]

John Henry is a legend and hero to every human being. Never surrender, stay positive, work hard and work smart.

[@acedeuce4709]

Work smart?! The guy killed himself trying to beat a machine in a game of strength and stamina!! You fucking kidding me?! Keep quoting bullshit, you unbelievable dumbass.

[@gaeilgebuachaill3907]

@@acedeuce4709 who shit in your cereal

[@arizonaranger6024]

Ace Deuce he didn’t die you know that he lived far longer after the event

[@animeproblem1070]

Ace Deuce that’s the legend not the truth he survived

[@shawn8847]

@@acedeuce4709 lmao!!!! Over your head bro.

[@thomasraahauge5231]

I'm a 280 lbs construction worker (old school) and I almost feel like a skinny little 3rd grader listening to this song :)

[@thomasraahauge5231]

#LOL They don't make construction workers like that anymore :)

[@RJ1999x]

Thomas Raahauge you know for sure he was a big man

[@johnwayne9000]

RJ 1999 hell I'm 6'8 and my biceps are nearly the size of beach balls and *I* feel small compared to him

[@normanalvarez5751]

😂😂👍

[@JackG79]

I know the feeling my friend. I too am 290lbs and 6ft 3. My family has always always said big John was my song as that is my name. But this song has some real spirit.

[@whatwhat98]

That dude must have had muscles that put Dwayne Johnson and Arnold (in his prime) to shame

[@prezofthemoon9486]

Probably wasn’t cut like them, he was just probably fucking massive

[@NikkiTheOtter]

@@prezofthemoon9486 Probably built more like Dwayne Johnson than Arnold, because The Rock was a wrestler, so his strength was used for lifting, while the Governator was muscled for show. No doubt very strong, but John Henry would have been roughly rectangular in build. Driving a sledge like that requires a massive amount of both core and arm strength, along with the leg strength to hold position against the sheer torque. As the song states, the hammer was touching his heels. At 6' in height, that puts his shoulders around 5'4" as the pivot. A 360 degree swing of that 10lb hammer means the hammer is moving about 33fps (for a one-second stroke) on average. Peak impact would be around twice that. At 66fps, with a 12lb head (The standard for that time), the head is impacting with the nail at 8N. Initially. Assuming his stroke takes a full second. More realistically, if he's been practicing his overhand swing, and is using a hammer more in tune with his physique, he's striking that nail at between 16 and 30N. Over a 20cm spike, that's 150N*m peak. 110ft lb of average driving force. Again, for a 1-second driving stroke. But that's all just for a normal full-length drive. Splitting a quality railroad tie (Something traditionally done with a SAW, for example) in a single stroke, requires much more force. And in fact, log-splitters are measured in tons of applicable force. Which means John Henry exceeded at least 1 ton of driving force, using a 12-20lb sledge.

[@watsonkushmaster3067]

@@NikkiTheOtter arnold was a powerlifter in his youth so he was very strong...but agree with you on other stuff - sometimes i have the pleasure to work with sledge hammer at my job so i know how hard it is and how little strenght training actually helps with it haha

[@carpetsomething]

@@NikkiTheOtter theres a fair amount of technique to using a sledge at maximum efficiency too, like if you had a person of equal physique to John henry theyd likely be slower at driving iron into rock than John henry

[@NikkiTheOtter]

@@carpetsomething True, true. I know even with my spaghetti arms, I can drive a 16lb sledge with a point impact of around 2500PSI. It really IS all in the wrist.

[@AgentZ7]

Think of how ahead of the time this song actually is. Johnny is telling the story of a man who worked hard, and kept it going. Only to be replaced by a machine. This could be applied to today with Automation replacing jobs all over the place. Truly a great song always.

[@joydivision5189]

I just got into the tunneling industry and i use this song as inspiration, he's an idol/role model to me. rip john henry, every time i swing my hammer i think of you

[@dylannnope7539]

We need more people like him these days real American hero

[@travisgilley3045]

Every person fighting for our country is a American hero.

[@TraitorFelon.14.3]

travis gilley Depends on what they are fighting for America to be.

[@PrimesWidom]

@@TraitorFelon.14.3 freedom of speech, freedom of choice, & that ALL people may be judged by the content of their individual character; not by any other measure.

[@altareggo]

@@travisgilley3045 lol well, a case certainly could be made for many of these folks, but certain amongst them, for example a truckload of Blackwater mercenaries and even a couple of Navy Seals... these people are NOT heros by any definition at all.

[@altareggo]

@@PrimesWidom That's the ideal for certain.... may be another 150 years before this perspective is the norm, but i think it WILL come to pass, with a lot of hard work by a lot of people.

[@j.b.hulstine7745]

This is a story of the people who built this great country sung by an American treasure. Happy 4th everyone

[@matthewveyette3187]

J.B. HULSTINE happy fourth dude

[@cryingangel1247]

J.B. HULSTINE hell yeah buddy

[@joshs5464]

He was a freed slave I doubt he would celebrate it

[@tylershadwick7751]

Man's a hero,whether you think he's fictional or not.This is the type of person everybody should strive to be.Work hard,play hard,live fruitfully.

[@sstritmatter2158]

This is a working man's song of days gone by. I love it. Johnny Cash is to country music what the likes of Mark Twain is to American literature.

[@thattruckindrifter7232]

I grew up hunting, fishing and camping with my old man, he'd always play a couple mixed cassette tapes on the way... This song was on one and was always one of my favorites! Love great music that tells a story. Great memories.

[@alexbest2695]

My Father worked on the railroad most of his life this one is for him

[@thomasraahauge5231]

Here's to your Old Man! [cheers]

[@johncaron4888]

My grandfather started working for a railroad laying track as teenager; he took many correspondence courses, and finished his career head of railroad for the Canal Zone.

[@frank1015]

My great grandfather was a conduter back at the age of steam

[@andylutz3505]

Keith Stengel Cool

[@classifiedcat9482]

To your dad and my grandpa. Sure as heck don't make like them anymore.

[@zeusdarkgod7727]

My dad worked at the "brick yard" in WV laying railroad track tell they closed it down. He went and became an engineer for csx railroad. It killed his back gave him constant nightmares from people drunk on the tracks and a few suicides, and it took his life from cancer he got from working there. Dad slept almost 24/7 at home because he was constantly on call. Offered promotions and always turned them down so he would never have to fire someone. I listen to this as a reminder of my hero.

[@manni5072]

Respect for John Henry! I worked with tracklaying here in Denmark in 2018, and man! Even today its god damn hard work! So respect!

[@peterbartolomeo5542]

​@@rickjames4808but ...he wasn't real He was a fable dedicated to the spirit of the real men who drove the railroad tracks going across America

[@jonwilliams4558]

John Henry was a real fokelore legend that should make African Americans proud, hell I'm proud of him

[@williamsalter8388]

We are not "African "

[@egg494]

@@williamsalter8388 Blacks, then

[@thewoodsytype7243]

They are Americans !!! Just like you and me.

[@thewoodsytype7243]

I say colored folks personally.... Correct me if I'm wrong. LOL

[@egg494]

@@thewoodsytype7243 I think it doesn't matter what we call anyone, we're all just people

[@johnmorrison4043]

I think he made the song because he saw what is important to keep the legend of a legendary heroes live for ever ...

[@debbiebuckton9696]

Just goes to show there is a stong woman behind every man,and every woman loves a real man.

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing?

[@vogunBurgundy]

People complaining this song is racist: Nowhere to be found People complaining about people complaining this song is racist: The entire comments section ??

[@santheman6654]

Foreal, that’s exactly what I was thinking!!!! 😂

[@mentaya11]

Exactly as it should be, as far as I see it. Sounds to me like some people, when this video was uploaded, put up a bit of a fuss. What you see now is the backlash. So many people standing up for one American Hero singing about another, regardless of race.

[@lanse1014]

All the comments were probably disliked and really down there in the comment section.

[@chasedog501]

I've never herd anyone say this song is racist.

[@Dies1r4e]

they are likely deleted. that happens when people say something horrifically unpopular and untrue.

[@DontfuckwithdaGunslinger420]

Even people who don’t like country music loves Johnny Cash.

[@bigstackfightsbilly]

Don't tell John Henry that hard work never killed anyone

[@Scharpy1]

Hahaha! Maybe a fella should play it safe.😉

[@crazyotto1338]

Johnny low key taking on racism in America. We could all use more of this.

[@rachelectroDC-84]

One American legend, singing about another American legend? No wonder this is one of my favorite songs of all time. 🔨

[@thomaswaters4963]

John Henry is a legend and an American hero.I give him all the credit in the world.He defines what a hard working man really is.God bless ya big fella.

[@Pr0ToTyPeC3]

Johnny Henry's pappy woke him up one midnight He said "Before the sheriff comes I wanna tell you, " Said "Listen boy Learn to hoist a jack and learn to lay a track learn to pick and shovel too And take that hammer, It'll do anything you tell it to." John Henry's mammy had about a dozen babies John Henry's pappy broke jail about a dozen times The babies all got sick and when the doctor wanted money He said, "I'll pay you a quarter at a time startin' tomorrow That's the pay for a steel driver on this line." Then the section foreman said, "Hey! Hammer-swinger! I see you your own hammer boy but, what all can them muscles do?" and he said, "I can turn a jack I can lay a track I can pick and shovel too." "Can you swing a hammer, boy?" "Yes sir, I'll do anything you hire me to." Spoken: "Now ain't you somethin'! So high and mighty with all that muscle! Just go Ahead, boy. Pick up that hammer, pick up the hammer!" He said to get a rusted spike and swing it down three times I'll pay you a nickel a day for every inch you sink it to Go on and do what you say you can do With a steel-nosed hammer on a four foot switch handle John Henry raised it back til' it touched his heels then The spike went through the cross-tie and split it half in two Thirty-five cents a day for drivin' steel "Sweat! Sweat, boy! Sweat! Only two more swings!" "I was born drivin' steel" Well John Henry hammered in the mountain He'd give a grunt he give a groan every swing The women-folks from miles around heard him and come down To watch make the coal-steel ring "Lord! What a swinger! Watch him make the coal-steel ring" But the bad boys came up laughin' at John Henry They said, " Your full of vinegar now but you bout' through! We gonna get a steamdrill to do your share of drivin' Then what's all them muscles gonna do? Huh? John Henry? Gonna take a little bit of vinegar out of you." John Henry said, "I feed for little brothers And baby sisters' walkin' on her knees Now did the Lord say that machines ought to take place of livin'? And what's a substitute for bread and beans? I ain't seen it! Do engines get rewarded for their steam? John Henry hid in a coal mine for his dinner nap Had thirty minutes to rest before the bell The mine boys hollered, " Get up whoever you are and get a pickax Mine me enough to start another hell and keep it burnin' Mine me enough to start another hell. John Henry said to his captain said "A man ain't nothin' but a man But if you'll bring that steamdrill 'round I'll beat it fair and honest. I'll die with that hammer in my hand but, I'll be laughin', 'Cause you can't replace a steel-drivin' man. There was a big crowd of people at the mountain. John Henry said to the steam-drill "How is you? (spoken) Pardon me, Mister Steamdrill I suppose you didn't hear me. Huh? Well, can you turn a jack? Can you lay a track? Can you pick and shovel too? Listen, this hammer-swinger's talkin' to you. Two-thousand people hollered, "Go John Henry!!!!!" Then somebody hollered, " The mountain's cavin' in!!!!!!" John Henry told the captin, "Tell the kind-folks not to worry It ain't nothin' but my hammer suckin' wind, it keeps me breathin' This steel-driver's muscle it ain't thin. "Captain tell the people to move back farther I'm at the finish line and there ain't no drill It's so far behind that it don't got the brains to quit it When she blows up she'll scatter cross the hills Lord, Lord When she blows up she'll scatter cross the hills" Well, John Henry had a little woman I believe the lady's name was Paulie Ann yeah that was his good woman John Henry threw his hammer over his shoulder and went on home He laid down to rest his weary back and early next mornin' he said, "Come here Paulie Ann, come here sugar. You know I believe this is the first time there ever was the sun come And I couldn't come up. Take my hammer, Paulie Ann and go to that railroad Swing that hammer like you seen me do it They'll all know your John Henry's woman but tell em' that ain't all you can Do Tell em'......... I can hoist a jack and I can lay a track I can pick and shovel too. Ain't no machine can that's been proved to you! There was a big crowd of mourners at the church house The section hands laid him in the sand Trains go by on the rails John Henry laid. They slow down and take off the hats, the men do When they come to the place where he's laying' retsina' his back. They say, "Mornin' Steel-driver, you sure was a hammer-swinger." Then they go on by pickin' up a little bit of speed. Clickity clack clickity clack clickity clack clickity clack Yonder lies a steel-drivin' man lord lord Yonder lies a steel-drivin' man Yonder lies a steel-drivin' man lord lord Yonder lies a steel-drivin' man Yonder lies a steel-drivin' man lord lord Yonder lies a steel-drivin' man

[@jimchastain6840]

Awesome song! Anyone who thinks this is racist needs to re evaluate their life!!! Jo

[@janolimit22]

I heard this story when was a young boy, & it played a huge role as to why I am competitive athletic and never give up! 🎉

[@MeYou-vf4fg]

Love Johnny Cash still listening to him in 2020 and forever🙂🍻🍺🍺

[@MeYou-vf4fg]

God bless the working men and women 🇺🇸💪💪❤️

[@ronaldroberts1436]

I've always enjoyed this song and the true story about how tough a man was back in those days.

[@UniteForgetLeftRight]

More relevant than ever with all the talk of automation replacing workers

[@mollyclarkson3705]

Was listening to big bad john by jimmy dean and this was recommended. Being a black man myself i knew of john henry as a kid i never heard this song before, so glad i clicked on it!!! New favorite johnny cash song, a boy named sue move out of the way lol makes me feel like going to the gym and picking up that sledge!!!!!

[@sean12393]

I too just listened to Big John and saw this in the suggestions and thought I'd have a listen. I'm just curious tho, if you're a black man why is your name Molly and why is your picture a woman?

[@mollyclarkson3705]

@@sean12393 lmao this is my wifes account! Didnt even pay attention to that 😂

[@sean12393]

@@mollyclarkson3705 Haha, I thought that was the case

[@petecarter9635]

Your profile pics literally a white girl

[@petecarter9635]

So is your name

[@MylesW304]

"I'll beat it fair and honest. I'll die with my hammer in my hand"

[@blakenielsen1722]

The Arms of the Lord

[@MrCamara47]

But I'll be laughin'

[@BeerCanBennytheIV]

No Artificial Intelligence or factory robot today could best John Henry. So we all better keep hammering so no soulless machine takes our jobs, or our kids jobs.

[@k5lover95]

The legend of John Henry is one of my favorites stories from growing up

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing?

[@JackG79]

This song is all about rhythem that keeps a man working hard on a job he can barely stomach. Ive worked some HARD HARD HARD labor intensive jobs that ive seen break men and make them walk off the job and never come back. From Hot foundrys to construction. This song in my head has kept me pushing far past what any man should ever have to put forth to feed his children. This song, and "Get Rythem" have helped me make it to that end of day bell more times than i can count. I am 39 and falling apart because i have worked so hard. back, knees, shoulders all on their way out. These kids these days have no idea how easy they have it. Most of the guys my age were afraid of hard work. I pride myself on following in my grandfathers footsteps not being afraid to pour out of them hot ladels and make ingets, or rubber or anything else i was doing at the time.

[@Dhumm81]

I resoundingly agreed, right up until you dragged out the b.s. "kids these days" trope. Assuming you're in the U.$.A., look around with an honest eye at the actual prospects for most "kids these days." We're of the same generation, and your story sounds very much like mine. However, the cold hard facts are that real wages, education/training/advancement opportunities, and living standards have been steadily declining for HALF A CENTURY in this country (do I even need to mention deindustrialization?), while the "cost of living" is off-the-charts to the point of having no relation to actual costs and supplies. Sure, there are a small number of "kids these days" who can relatively effortlessly jump into relatively cushy jobs which pay relatively high wages, but this is nothing new. Every classist society that has ever existed, including the U.$.A., has always maintained a small, semi-privileged "middle class" to serve as a buffer between the few idle rich, and the many working poor. Most of us had it much worse than most Boomers, but most "kids these days" have it even worse than most of us did.

[@johnwallace3215]

Man I'm 19 been doing labor intensive jobs since I was 16 .... from tile to masonry and mixing wheelbarrows of cement and moving stones , framing, boxed for 4 years lots of runs , and I'm born in 2003 not bad for a this generation

[@JackG79]

@@johnwallace3215 John, you sound like youbare not afraid of hard good. Your parents instilled a good hard work ethic in you, OR you acquired it yourself through self discipline and wanting more out of life than to simply get by. That is where mine came from as well. Congrats in not being afraid to wear a tool belt, or get your hands dirty. Or a little blood in that squared circle!! You sound like the type of man these tunes encompass. "Kids these days" with their blue haired, student loan forgiveness never cease to amaze me. It's good to see someone who knows good music and is not scared of hard work!! Thanks for the Reply John!!!

[@terriecotham1567]

To me, this song tells the story of a man's man as they say who could lead the way with honor and from honest hard work we should all be lucky to know or work with anyone like him for one could say Dr King, Rosa Parks or the three kids who lost their life in Missippt were like John Henry working hard and leading the way just to speak of a few in history who gave all or work hard for a better life for those to come John lost his life to a machine which had no heart, Love, respect for there fellow man A song to prase

[@tankmalone9845]

From what I remember John Henry was one bad ass southern black man who looked like that dude who played on the green mile this song is paying tribute to him love these old southerner soul songs

[@michaelmckinnon1591]

The late Michael Clarke Duncan is I'm pretty sure who you mean.

[@Alice-yt9pj]

I've been to his monument and I must say I have much respect for him and what he stood for.

[@kustomhooligans]

It took me starting my own business and working 90-120 hours a week before I could really relate & appreciate this song! At 18 yrs old, I thought it was an Ok song, at 36 years old, it's normal for a customer to walk in to my shop and hear J.R. singing "Pickin' up speed...Clickety Clack, Clickety Clack!" Long Live John & Long Live The Legend of John Henry's Hammer!

[@Scharpy1]

I wish you well in your business.

[@joemcmillan2089]

Johnny Cash told so many awesome stories. RIP big man. Your legend will live forever.

[@user-lr1ol2un4l]

Steam powered mining equipment "exists" "John Henry" is that a challenge?

[@Shootingstarcomics]

This song is why I never use self checkout at Walmart.

[@chuckbeasley6074]

I just never go to Walmart

[@paulmallery6719]

Or anywhere else. Like to make a scene and loudly say everyone of the self checks is somebody's job. People love to hear it and all agree.

[@andrewblatherwick8758]

My dad had this on an LP way back in the mists of time. Still love this ballad after all these years

[@cesarfernandezlopez2209]

And with every swing like the tick of a clock his life faded away RIP Johnny Hammer RIP Johnny Cash ❤️

[@robmcguire7534]

My god, that's absolutely beautiful. RIP John and Johnny.

[@johnpatteson8271]

Master storyteller at work here. Nobody was better. We miss you Johnny!

[@chumba387]

Marty was really good

[@greygremlin1248]

Out of all the tall tales that were told in America, John Henry is the only one I believe really exsisted

[@chadzigler]

USA the country or America the continent?

[@amazononedayshipping2627]

@@chadzigler America north or south

[@zackhileman7661]

this country would truly great again if we had john henrys ,joe magaracs ,paul bunions .

[@paigemoore4177]

Blessings to You and Your Daddy & my Daddy & to all the Daddies who chopped wood to keep their kids warm in Winter +++

[@metanoiavision4365]

This was my absolute favorite story as a kid. And I’m white but never mind my color that matters not in our Lord Jesus’ eyes. I recently looked up the book from my childhood in the late 70’s early 80’s and reminisced about my younger year’s. Amazing story and graceful. Peace be with you all 🙏🏻

[@tyfaction7579]

If this doesn't motivate you to work harder i dont know what will

[@tangenty6987]

*Knits faster*

[@georgelee7594]

I am a American indean and I believe in john Henry I'm just like hem way

[@theceltbeserk1]

A great song, because John Henry adapted, overcame, and beat the system. He refused to be a victim to Automation. Mind Blown...

[@scoobydee8281]

I GREW UP IN TALCOTT AND PENCE SPRINGS WVA.. MY UNCLE LIVED BY OLD MILL BAR AT THE BOTTOM OF TUNNEL HILL,BAR WAS RAN BY A GREAT MAN NAMED RAY,I WOULD WALK ACROSS STREET WITH ESCORT AND LOOK AT TUNNEL OPENING AND OR GET ESCORT TO SEE STATUE OF JOHN HENRY BECAUSE I WAS LITTLE KID.THE MAN WAS THE FIRST LEGEND I SEEN AND HEARD ABOUT AS A LITTLE KID.I ALWAYS THINK OF HIM TO THIS DAY WHEN I TELL PEOPLE ABOUT WVA..MY UNCLE MOVED TO JOIN OTHER RELATIVES,HE MOVED TO PENCE SPRINGS. BUT I HAD MY DAD OR UNCLE PULL OVER TO SEE IT WHEN EVER GOING BY THE GREAT MAN.I LIVE IN OHIO BUT HOME IS STILL THERE.PICTURE IS MY WIFE HOLDING OUR CAT,IM LIKE JOHNNY CASH NO RACIST,IM A 59 YR. OLD WHITE MALE,PLEASE SHOW RESPECT FOR TWO GOOD MEN,JOHNNY CASH,JOHN HENRY.CHECK IT OUT IF EVER IN AREA.THANKS

[@Max_Maylay]

Yay! bring back folk heros. They may just be the heros this world needs right now, and the message of the Legend of John Henery is just as relevant today as it was then. Maybe even more so.

[@kspray8500]

John Henry one hell of a man, and his song sung by one hell of a man!!

[@jimchastain6840]

This is a story of survival in a tough world! John Henry SURVIVED!!!!

[@JivinJoe1984]

Can never get tired of Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three.

[@jeannieanderst2031]

But remember Polly Ann drove that steel Like A Man! That part always sends the shivers up my spine....she is a folk hero too!

[@drakehonest2]

Hello how are you doing..?

[@mikegrabosky4467]

West Virginia takes great pride in John Henry!

[@Hankvdb]

Thanks to all of you defending this song of slander. It's a great and sincere song, praising hard working men regardless of skincolour, don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise!

[@eldenrivas7842]

My grandfather's first job when he came from El Salvador was driving nails on railroad tracks. He told me stories of how he was so good they would fly him to places like Chicago. When work gets hard for me I remember the stories of my grandpa driving the nails. Thank you for sharing this amazing song that brings out the pride of a hardworking man regardless of his color.

[@eldenrivas7842]

My grandpa passed away 3 days ago with a weed eater in his hand. 87 years old and still working, after beating cancer twice, because that's all he ever knew. It wasn't a hammer but my grandpa died doing what he loved, working.

[@armandhammer2235]

Nobody can lay a track like John Henry and nobody can tell a tale like Cash.

[@jondavidbristow9819]

John Henry just one of the great human beings who's back this great country was built on

[@TheGateShallStand]

John henery, the man with a hammer born in his hand, the man who hammered through a mountain and beat the steal driving machine

[@thomasraahauge5231]

Tough one, giving birth to him - you know, him clenching that hammer in his fist. Poor midwife who clapped him in the butt if he swung that hammer at her.

[@tyfaction7579]

Thomas Raahauge 😂😂😂😂

[@waynecox9943]

Am from Alabama n I will die saying this is one hell of a man .rip big bad John .

[@Mahasattva27]

Had this song on a Johnny Cash album as a kid decades ago, always loved it. Listening to it now brought tears to my eyes. Nice job on the video as well. Thanks for posting.

[@bladetheelectrowolf1554]

I saw the movie of John Henry and I now I hear this I remember the legend who beat the steam engine and proved his was the best hammer swinger who ever lived. This truly a good find and by Johnny Cash nonetheless. This was awesome.

[@brandonmurtland4347]

That hammer will do anything you tell it to

[@ronelias5475]

Yup spent years splitting wood

[@stewartgod8519]

That's right Brandon my daddy used his hammer to to tie his shoes

[@crazyhorsesonlytruedaughte6462]

I wouldn't want him hitting me.

[@derrickbailey092]

@@crazyhorsesonlytruedaughte6462 Big bad John.. Jimmy dean

[@john2sioch299]

So will a double bit axe We forget who and what blazed the wilderness. Honour to be the elders 🤠🎸🔥

[@asslowshop396]

Real America men should work this hard. I believe the legend of John henry should be taught more. America was once great because of the tough, hard working men. Not the kind of people who complain that they got a stain on their leggings. Not the kind of people who complain about how hot it is. Long live the tough work force that built America.

[@Bluebark64FIS]

This is great...love me some Johnny. Miss that guy...

[@DM-bx1vc]

Lovely... j.cash, blues, rebel, love, freedom, rascal Voice of love....

[@ytgsp]

In the story I remember, when John Henry's heart burst, he had drilled 14 feet against the steam drill's 9 feet.

[@walterbell1529]

family story?

[@ytgsp]

@@walterbell1529 Something from my childhood. School library, possibly.

[@erich9162]

This here is true country music, they told stories in their songs. They meant something. Today's country isn't worth the damn. I miss these days.

[@jessegrant8666]

Today's is Orville s 64 year old happy birthday this is Anthem 😊 I love ya orvllle

[@drakehonest2]

Hello how are you doing?

[@eb5854]

my grandfather was named John Henry.. I always thought he was named after this one, lol. cool song, cool name, Great man.

[@johnharrington7270]

People need to read. Long live the name of John Henry.

[@timmyjones6678]

It's great when a man becomes a legend through sheer grit, in a time were racism was still strong but even in guam I looked up to John Henry