[Refrain]
Who killed John Henry in the battle of sinners and saints?
Who killed John Henry in the battle of sinners and saints?

[Verse 1]
Take this hammer, carry it to the Captain, tell him why I'm gone
Take this hammer, carry it to the Captain, tell him I'm goin' home
I don't want your cold iron shackles around my leg
I don't want your cold iron shackles around my leg

[Refrain]
Who killed John Henry in the battle of sinners and saints?
Who killed John Henry in the battle of sinners and saints?

[Verse 2]
I'm a long way from Colorado, a long way from my home
Get the hammer that killed John Henry, won't kill me no more
Gimme the hammer that killed John Henry, cos it won't kill me
Gimme the hammer that killed John Henry, cos it won't kill me

[Refrain]
Who killed John Henry in the battle of sinners and saints?
Who killed John Henry in the battle of sinners and saints?

[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
Take this hammer, carry it to the Captain, tell him I'm goin' home
Take this hammer, carry it to the Captain, tell him why I'm gone
I'm a wanted man with the Captain
I'm a wanted man in the shackles
I'm a wanted man in the shackles
I'm a wanted man

[Refrain]
Who killed John Henry in the battle of sinners and saints?
Who killed John Henry in the battle of sinners and saints?

[Outro]
I killed John Henry in the battle of sinners and saints