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 you Where I went to Tell him you don't know Tell him you don't know ♪ This nine pound hammer Killed John Henry It laid him low It laid him low This nine pound hammer Killed my brother But it won't kill me No, it won't kill me ♪ Roll on buddy Don't you roll too slow How can I roll When the wheels won't go? Roll on, brother But 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