John Hardy
The Gun Club
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Well, John Hardy was a vicious little man He carried two guns every day He shot down a man on the West Virginia line I see John Hardy gettin' away, poor boy See John Hardy gettin' away Well, John Hardy went up to that free stone bridge Where there, he thought he was free A dare the man, who called nobody his own Said, "Johnny come and go with me", poor boy Johnny come and go with me John Hardy had a pretty little wife back home The dress that she wore was blue She come to the jail house with a loud shout Said, "Johnny, I've been true to you", poor boy "Johnny, I've been true to you", she said John Hardy sent out to the East Coast Sent for his folks to come and go his bail But there was no bail allowed for the murderin' man They sent John Hardy back to jail, poor boy Sent John Hardy back to jail, back now Who's going to shoe your pretty little feet Who's gonna glove your hand Who's gonna kiss your rosy red cheeks It's gonna be that steel drivin' man, poor boy "Be that steel drivin' man", she said Now sittin' alone there in his cell Now tears are rolling down his eyes He's been the death of many, a poor man And now, he is ready to die, poor boy Now he is ready to die Singin' "I've been to the east, I've been to the west" I've seen this whole wide world around I've been to the river and I've been baptized Take me to my hanging in the ground, poor boy "Take me to my hanging in the ground", she said I [Incomprehensible] poor boy, poor boy
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Written by: JEFFREY LEE PIERCE, UNKNOWN PD WRITER
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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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"John Hardy Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7302324/The+Gun+Club/John+Hardy>.
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