Although critically acclaimed, John Hammond has had only moderate commercial success. Nonetheless, he enjoys a strong fan base and has earned respect from the likes of John Lee Hooker, Roosevelt Sykes, Duane Allman, Robbie Robertson, and Charlie Musselwhite, all of whom have contributed their musical talents to Hammond's records. In addition, he is the only person who ever had Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix in his band at the same time, even if it was only for five days in the 1960s when Hammond played the Gaslight Café in New York. To his regret, they never recorded together.
John Hammond has had a longstanding friendship with songwriter Tom Waits, and has performed Waits' songs on occasion. In 2001, he released Wicked Grin, an album entirely of Tom Waits compositions. Waits himself provided guitar work and backing vocals as well as producing the project.
2. John Hammond was a old time banjo player from the 1920's. He recorded the bluegrass classic 'Little Birdie' in 1925.
Crosscut Saw
John Hammond Lyrics
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Just drag me 'cross your log
You know, I'm a cross cut saw
Just drag me across your log
I cut your wood so easy for you
You can't help but say 'Hot dog!'
Some call me wood-choppin' Sam
Last girl I cut the wood for, you know
She wants me back again
I'm a cross cut saw,
Just drag me 'cross your log
I cut your wood so easy for you
You can't help but say 'Hot dog!'
I've got a double-bladed axe
That really cuts good
And I'm a cross cut saw, just bury me in the wood
I'm a cross cut saw,
Baby, just drag me 'cross your log
I cut your wood so easy for you, woman
You can't help but say 'Hot dog!'
The lyrics of John Hammond's "Cross Cut Saw" paint a vivid picture of a saw used for cutting wood. The singer in the song refers to himself as a "cross cut saw" and urges the listener to "drag [him] 'cross your log" to cut the wood. He boasts about his ability to cut the wood with ease, exclaiming "I cut your wood so easy for you, you can't help but say 'hot dog!'" This personification of the saw makes it seem almost like a living being instead of an inanimate object, adding to the power of the lyrics.
Additionally, the singer mentions several nicknames that he has been given, including "wood-choppin' Sam" and "wood-cuttin' Ben." He even references a past lover who he cut wood for, stating that she wants him back again. All of these details help to create a sense of history and community around the practice of cutting wood, making the song feel like a celebration of a specific trade.
Overall, "Cross Cut Saw" is a vibrant tribute to the powerful tool that is crucial to those who work with wood. Its imagery and storytelling create a rich atmosphere and make the listener appreciate the importance and power of this simple tool.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a cross cut saw
I am capable of efficiently cutting through logs like a cross cut saw does.
Just drag me 'cross your log
Use me to cut through your log effortlessly.
You know, I'm a cross cut saw
It is a known fact that I am an expert in cutting logs with ease.
I cut your wood so easy for you
I am so efficient in cutting through logs that I make it a simple task for you.
You can't help but say 'Hot dog!'
My cutting ability will leave you impressed to the point where you exclaim 'Hot dog!' in excitement.
Some call me wood-choppin' Sam
I go by the name of wood-choppin' Sam sometimes.
Some call me wood-cuttin' Ben
At times, I am referred to as wood-cuttin' Ben.
Last girl I cut the wood for, you know
The most recent person I cut wood for, she wants me to do it again.
She wants me back again
She enjoyed my services so much that she wants me to cut her wood again.
I've got a double-bladed axe
In addition to my cross cut saw, I also have a highly effective double-bladed axe.
That really cuts good
My axe is capable of cutting through logs efficiently.
And I'm a cross cut saw, just bury me in the wood
I am so efficient in cutting through logs that I can be buried in the wood and still cut my way out.
I'm a cross cut saw
As previously stated, I am an expert in cutting logs efficiently.
Baby, just drag me 'cross your log
Allow me to cut through your log with ease.
You can't help but say 'Hot dog!'
Again, I am so efficient in cutting through logs that you will not be able to contain your excitement and will exclaim 'Hot dog!' in astonishment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TOMMY MCCLENNAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind