They say that steel
is stronger than flesh.
They say that iron
don't need rest.
They say that a man
just can't keep up.
They told the wrong man
he wasn't good enough.

The steam engine pounded
into the rock.
John Henry got busy
and wouldn't stop.
There's more to a man
than eyes can see.
He said, "I'll prove it true
if it's the death of me."

The mountain rang with
each mighty blow.
The folks came runnin'
to see the show.
With his last swing,
daylight broke in.
John Henry died,
for the pride in men.

Born with a hammer
in his hand,
Born with the earth,
strong in his bones,
Born with fire
in his eyes,
he had a heart that broke
just like a stone.

They can't say steel
is stronger than flesh.
They can't say iron
is the best.
They can't say a man
just can't keep up.
'cause there was a man
that no one could stop.