This nine pound hammer just a bit too heavy For my size, for my size Take this hammer, show it to the captain Tell him I'm gone, tell him I'm gone If he should ask if, where I went to Tell him you don't know, tell him you don't know This nine pound hammer, killed John Henry It made him low, it made him low This nine pound hammer, it killed my brother But it won't kill me, no it won't kill me Roll on brother, don't you roll too slow How can I roll, when the wheels won't go? Roll on brother, don't you take your time For I'm broke down, and I can't make mine This nine pound hammer, just a bit too heavy For my size, for my size