Well that nine pound hammer is a little too heavy
For my size honey for my size
Roll on buddy pull a load o'coal
Now how you gonna roll roll roll when the wheels won't roll

Well it's a long way to Harlem it's a long way to Hazzard
Just to get a little brew my friend get a little brew
And that nine pound hammer it done killed John Henry
It ain't a gonna kill me no siree it ain't gonna kill me
Roll on buddy pull a load o'coal
Now how you gonna roll roll roll when the wheels won't roll

I'm goin' on that mountain I'm gonna see my baby
And I ain't comin' back no siree I ain't comin' back
And when I'm long gone well you can make my tombstone
Out of number nine coal my friend number nine coal
Roll on buddy pull a load o'coal
Now how you gonna roll roll roll when the wheels won't go

Yeah roll on buddy pull a load o'coal
Now how you gonna roll roll roll when them wheels won't go
When them wheels won't go roll on buddy