John Hardy
Pete Seeger
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John Hardy was a desperate little man, He carried two guns ev'ry day. He shot down a man on that West Virginia line, You oughta seen John Hardy gettin' away.... You oughta seen John Hardy gettin' away.... John Hardy stood in that old baroom, So drunk that he could not see. And a man walked up and took him by the arm, He said, "Johnny, come and go along with me, Poor boy, Johnny, come and walk along with me." John Hardy stood in his old jail cell, The tears running down from his eyes. He said, "I've been the death of many a poor boy. But my six-shooters never told a lie, No, my six-shooters never told a lie. The first one to visit John Hardy in his cell Was a little girl dressed in blue. She came down to that old jail cell, She said, "Johnny, I've been true to you. God knows, Johnny, I've been true to you." The next one to visit John Hardy in his cell, Was a little girl dressed in red. She came down to that old jail cell, She said, "Johnny, I had rather see you dead, Well, Johnny, I had rather see you dead." "I've been to the East and I've been to the West, I've traveled this wide world around, I've been to that river and I've been baptized, So take me to my burying ground, So take me to my burying ground." John Hardy was a desperate little man, He carried two guns ev'ry day. He shot down a man on the West Virginia line, You oughta seen John Hardy gettin' away, You oughta seen John Hardy gettin' away.
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
12 facts about this song
Origin"John Hardy" is a traditional American folk song based on the real-life story of a railroad worker who kills a man in a gambling dispute.
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Bill MonroeBluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe's version of "John Hardy", while retaining the original melody, prominently features his iconic mandolin playing and high tenor vocals.
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Bobby BareCountry singer Bobby Bare's rendition of "John Hardy" appears on his 1969 album "Your Husband, My Wife". His version is slower-paced and has a more traditional country sound.
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Jerry ReedKnown for his unique style of country and rockabilly music, Jerry Reed's version of "John Hardy" was featured in the 1975 album titled "Mind Your Love".
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Pete SeegerFolk singer and social activist Pete Seeger performed a version of "John Hardy" that not only emphasizes the tale's moral implications but also showcases his banjo skills.
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The Carter FamilyOne of the most influential groups in country and folk music, The Carter Family's recording of "John Hardy Was a Desperate Little Man" from the 1920s is considered a classic version of the song.
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The Gun ClubThe Los Angeles punk band, The Gun Club, performed a raucous, stripped-down version of "John Hardy" that is markedly different from the traditional country renditions of the song.
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The String Cheese IncidentThe Colorado jam band, The String Cheese Incident, often includes "John Hardy" in their live performances, blending bluegrass, rock, and improvisational elements into the song.
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Uncle TupeloThe alternative country band Uncle Tupelo's version of "John Hardy" hits closer to home with its raw and powerful interpretation, which truly encapsulates the essence of this ageless tale of crime and punishment.
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InfluenceThe widespread cover versions of "John Hardy" demonstrate the song's ability to transcend genres and time. It continues to be a staple in the repertoire of many folk, country, and bluegrass musicians.
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LyricsThe lyrics of "John Hardy" recount the story of the main character's crime, trial, and execution, serving as a cautionary tale against violence.
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Real-life John HardyThe real John Hardy was executed in 1894 for murder. His life and death became the subject of numerous songs, plays, and stories in Southern American folklore.
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Citation
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"John Hardy Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1074537/Pete+Seeger/John+Hardy>.
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