[1] I was born with a [5] hammer in my [1] hand
It's the kind of life I doubt you'd under-[4]-stand
I'd give [1] anything just to hear the cold steel ring
'Cause I was born with a [5] hammer in my [1] hand

Swingin' steel's the only life I've known
I've never been afraid to be alone
Hope my Mama understands I'll always be a working man
'Cause I was born with a hammer in my hand

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man
You could hear his hammer ring across the land
But before the steam drill came, John Henry knew my name
'Cause I was born with a hammer in my hand

The bossman tries to break a good man's back
It takes thirty men to lay a mile of track
If the shaker holds the line, there'll be thirty miles behind me
I was born with a hammer in my hand

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man
You could hear his hammer ring across the land
But you put us side to side, he'd have to run and hide
'cause I was born with a hammer in my hand
Yes, I'll die with a hammer in my hand