John Henry
View chords used in this chart
verse 1
C
John Henry had a little woman
And the dress she wore was red
Am
She walked down the track
F
She never looked back
[Refrão]
Am F
I'm going where John Henry fell dead
Am C
I'm going where John Henry fell dead
verse 2
C
John Henry had another woman
And her name was Polly Anne
Am
John Henry was taken sick
F
And he had to go to bed
[Refrão]
Am F
Polly Anne drove steel like a man
Am C
Polly Anne drove steel like a man
verse 3
C
John Henry told his little woman
Honey fix my supper soon
Am
I got ninety-nine miles
F
Of track I wanna line back
[Refrão]
Am F
I'm gonna line 'em by the light of the moon
Am C
I'm gonna line 'em by the light of the moon
verse 4
C
John Henry said to his captain
You know a man ain't nothin' but a man
Am F
I'm bettin' right now you won't beat me down
[Refrão]
Am F
I'm gonna die with my hammer in my hand
Am C
I'm gonna die with my hammer in my hand
Verse 5
C
John Henry hammered in the mountain
Until his hammer caught on fire
Am F
The last word's I heard that the poor boy said
[Refrão]
Am F
Give me a cool drink of water before I die
Am C
Give me a cool drink of water before I die (x3)
How to play John Henry
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.