In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.
Nine Pound Hammer
Bill Monroe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For my size, honey, for my size
Roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow
Baby, how can I roll when the wheels won't go
Up on the mountain just to see my honey
And I ain't coming back, lord, I ain't coming back
It's a long way to Hazard a long way to Harian
Just to get a little booze, just get a little booz
Ain't one hammer in this tonnel
That rings like mine that rings like mine
It rings like silver and shines like gold
It rings like silver and shines like gold
Somebody stole my nine pound hammer
They've took it and gone, they've took it and gone
That nine pound hammer that killed John Henry
Ain't a gonna kill me, ain't a gonna kill me
This iconic bluegrass song, "Nine Pound Hammer," popularized by Bill Monroe, is a timeless classic. With its upbeat tempo and simple yet powerful lyrics, the song speaks to the hardworking nature of the mountain people who built America's infrastructure. The hammer is a symbol of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the construction of roads, bridges, and railroads throughout the country. The singer speaks of his struggle with a nine-pound hammer, which is too heavy for him. He is frustrated and tired, but he knows he must push through to complete the work he has been tasked with.
The singer is on a journey to see his loved one up in the mountain, and he declares that he is not coming back. This is a common theme in bluegrass music, as it speaks to the longing and hardships that come with living in rural areas. The chorus repeats that the hammer is too heavy for his size, indicating that he is small in stature, but he is still determined to work hard and succeed. As he struggles with his tool, he sings of his longing for a drink and acknowledges the difficulties of living in a place where liquor is scarce.
Line by Line Meaning
This nine pound hammer is a little too heavy
The weight of this hammer is too difficult for me to handle.
For my size, honey, for my size
Considering my size, carrying this hammer is quite a tough task.
Roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow
Please move quickly, as the delay is causing a problem.
Baby, how can I roll when the wheels won't go
It's impossible to move without the required assistance.
Up on the mountain just to see my honey
I'm going up the hill to meet my loved one.
And I ain't coming back, lord, I ain't coming back
I'm leaving this place and I may not return.
It's a long way to Hazard a long way to Harian
The distance from where I am to where I want to go is quite far.
Just to get a little booze, just get a little booze
I'm traveling a long distance just to get a drink.
Ain't one hammer in this tunnel
There is no other hammer in this tunnel.
That rings like mine that rings like mine
It has the same unique sound as my hammer.
It rings like silver and shines like gold
The sound and appearance of my hammer are exceptional.
Somebody stole my nine pound hammer
Someone took my nine pound hammer.
They've took it and gone, they've took it and gone
The hammer has been stolen and the thief has fled the scene.
That nine pound hammer that killed John Henry
The same hammer that John Henry died while using.
Ain't a gonna kill me, ain't a gonna kill me
I am not going to die while using that same hammer.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MERLE TRAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amoskalow2209
The absolute best bluegrass I call it Appalachian so beautiful
@davidkepley9634
This is great! Brings back memories, good friends and some good whiskey!
@BPHJR
Brings back memories- Pappy picking me up from school in the Lincoln Towncar, flipping the cassette tape over and over (he only had one)
@amoskalow2209
Footprints in the snow
@RATLordGeno
Absolutely. Thanks so much for sharing this.
@dlmullins9054
Greatest ever!
@djensen2319
wonderful!
@AlfredoArbe
is awesome and will allways be, computers cant do this the human way
@TimeTravelinHendrix
and never will. cant beat the classics.