Like Elvis Presley, he was raised singing the Christian gospel music of integrated southern Pentecostal churches. In 1950 he attended Southwestern Bible Institute in Texas but was expelled for misconduct, including playing rock and roll versions of hymns in church. Pearry Green (then president of the student body) related how during a talent show Jerry played some worldly music. The next morning the Dean of the school called both Jerry and Pearry into his office to expel them both. Jerry then said that Pearry shouldn't be expelled because "he didn't know what I was going to do." Years later Pearry asked Jerry: "Are you still playing the devil's music?" Jerry replied, "Yes, I am. But you know it's strange, the same music that they kicked me out of school for is the same kind of music they play in their churches today. The difference is, I know I am playing for the devil and they don't."
Leaving religious music behind, he became a part of the burgeoning new rock and roll sound, cutting his first record in 1954. Two years later, at Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee, producer and engineer Jack Clement discovered and recorded Lewis for the Sun label, while owner Sam Phillips was away on a trip to Florida. As a result, Lewis joined Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash as stars who began their recording careers at Sun Studios around this same time.
Lewis' first recording at Sun studios was his own distinct version of the country ballad Crazy Arms. In 1957, his piano and the pure rock and roll sound of Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On propelled him to international fame. Great Balls of Fire soon followed, and would become his biggest hit. Watching and listening to Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis said if he could play the piano like that, he'd quit singing. Lewis' early billing was Jerry Lee Lewis and his Pumping Piano.
Lewis was a pioneer of piano rock, not only through his sound by also through his dynamic performance. He would often kick the piano bench out of the way to play standing, rake his hands up and down the keyboard for dramatic accent, and even sit down on it. His frenetic performance style can be seen in films such as High School Confidential (he sang the title song from the back of a flatbed truck), and Jamboree. These performance techniques have been adopted by recent piano rock artists, notably admirer Elton John.
John Henry
Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He picked up a hammer in his hand
Looked up at his mama and smilingly said
I want to be a steel drivin' man
Lord, Lord, I want to be a steel drivin' man
Soon John Henry grew up to be a man
And took a hammer in his hand
He was a darn good steel drivin' man
Lord, Lord, he was a darn good steel drivin' man
Now John Henry drove an awful lot of steel
He was the best driver in the land
When he'd start in to drivin' down that steel
The sparks would fly to beat the band
Lord, Lord, the sparks would fly to beat the band
One day they brought a steam driver around
On John Henry's face was a smile
Just give me a twelve pound hammer Mister Boss
And I'll beat that driver by a mile
Lord, Lord, I'll beat that driver by a mile
Old John Henry started pounding down the steel
The steam drill was there by his side
They both drove steel for ten hours straight
Then John Henry fell and he died
Lord, Lord, then John Henry fell
and he died
Jerry Lee Lewis's John Henry is a depiction of the folklore surrounding John Henry, a man known for his incredible strength and his ability to manually drive steel spikes into rock, which was necessary for the construction of tunnels and railroads in America. The song begins with a glimpse into John Henry's childhood, where he expresses his desire to be a steel drivin' man. The repetition of the phrase "Lord, Lord" emphasizes John Henry's determination to achieve his goal. The second stanza describes John Henry's prowess - he became a skilled steel driver that was unparalleled in the land. The mention of the sparks flying in the air when he worked is a testament to his strength and speed.
However, the third stanza marks a turning point. A steam driver is introduced and John Henry readily blesses them on the challenge. He decides to prove himself by using a twelve-pound hammer. This is indicative of John Henry's bravado and strength of character. However, the final stanza suggests a tragic end for John Henry. Despite working alongside the steam driver for ten hours straight, John Henry falls and dies.
In conclusion, the lyrics to Jerry Lee Lewis's John Henry draws the listener into the story of a man who, through sheer willpower and determination, became an inspiration to generations. The song's masterful use of repetition and vivid imagery helps the audience to visualize John Henry's life, while the abrupt ending leaves an indelible impression of his legacy.
Line by Line Meaning
When John Henry was a little bitty boy
As a young boy, John Henry found his passion in life - steel driving.
He picked up a hammer in his hand
John Henry began to develop the skills he would need later in life to become a steel driver.
Looked up at his mama and smilingly said
John Henry knew from a very young age what he wanted to do with his life.
I want to be a steel drivin' man
John Henry had a clear goal in mind and was determined to achieve it.
Soon John Henry grew up to be a man
John Henry's passion for steel driving continued to grow as he got older.
And took a hammer in his hand
John Henry knew that he needed to constantly practice his steel driving skills to get better and better.
He could drive steel with either hand
John Henry was extremely skilled and versatile in his steel driving abilities.
He was a darn good steel drivin' man
John Henry had honed his skills to become one of the best steel drivers in the country.
Now John Henry drove an awful lot of steel
John Henry had achieved his dream of becoming a steel driver and was in high demand for his skills.
He was the best driver in the land
John Henry's reputation for being the best steel driver only continued to grow.
When he'd start in to drivin' down that steel
John Henry had a deep passion and love for steel driving.
The sparks would fly to beat the band
John Henry's dedication and intense focus would result in a dazzling display of sparks as he pounded the steel.
One day they brought a steam driver around
New technology in the form of steam drivers began to threaten the jobs of skilled steel drivers like John Henry.
On John Henry's face was a smile
Despite the threat to his livelihood, John Henry remained confident in his abilities and was undeterred by the challenge of the steam driver.
Just give me a twelve pound hammer Mister Boss
John Henry was determined to prove that the skills of a human steel driver were still superior to those of a machine.
And I'll beat that driver by a mile
John Henry was willing to put in the hard work and effort to show that he was still the best steel driver around.
Old John Henry started pounding down the steel
John Henry gave it his all as he pounded the steel, determined to come out on top.
The steam drill was there by his side
The steam driver was always looming there, a constant reminder of the threat of new technology.
They both drove steel for ten hours straight
Both John Henry and the steam driver worked tirelessly, each trying to outdo the other.
Then John Henry fell and he died
John Henry pushed himself to his limits, and in the end, he sacrificed everything to prove that the human spirit and will is still stronger than machines.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: J BAIRD, PD TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MrBonifant
Balls out feel good music! Recorded at 639 Madison, June 1960
JS Tex Renner
Great channel, Dangerous!
AngelEyes
So these lyrics are way different to Johnny Cash versions - anyone have any idea why?
AngelEyes
OK so SOMEBODY with a pulse must know why Jerry's lyrics to this song are so different from everyone else's versions - and I CANNOT find them typed up on the internet anywhere. Discussions welcome and I wonder if Jerry re-wrote them or they were written by someone else?
AngelEyes
Sweet as fuck.
heartofdixie
This sounds more like New Orleans to me.