I'm working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
Working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
I'm digging for big John Henry
And he is so hard to please
And I've been all around this world
Single girl, single girl
Where'd you get that dress so fine
Single girl, single girl
Where'd you get that dress so fine
I got my dress from a railroad man
Shoes from a driver in the mine
And I've been all around this world
I'm working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
Working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
I'm digging for big John Henry
And he is so hard to please
And I've been all around this world
Single girl, single girl
Go out whenever you please
Single girl, single girl
Go out whenever you please
For when you get married
Babies all around your knees
And I've been all around this world
I'm working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
Working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
I'm digging for big John Henry
And he is so hard to please
And I've been all around this world
The new railroad is ready, now
The cars are on the track
The new railroad is ready, now
The cars are on the track
And if the women leave them
The money will bring them back
And I've been all around this world
I'm working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
Working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
I'm digging for big John Henry
And he is so hard to please
And I've been all around this world
I'm working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
Working on the new railroad
With the mud up to my knees
I'm digging for big John Henry
And he is so hard to please
And I've been all around this world
And I'm going around again