John Henry was a railroad man, he was workin from six to five, raise 'em bullies up and then drop 'em down, I will beat you to the bottom or die. John Henry said to his captain, you ain't nothin but a common man, before that steam drill shall put me down, I will die with a hammer in my hand. John Henry said to the Shakers, you must listen to my call, before that big steam drill beats me down, I will drive these mountains til they fall. John Henry said to his captain, with fifty dollars in his hand, he laid his hand on his shoulder and said, this belongs to a steel driving man. John Henry had a little woman, her name was Pollie Ann, he hugged and kissed her just before he died and said Pollie do the best you can.