“Nine Pound Hammer” is a traditional work song used by railroad laborers in the post Civil War South of the United States. Much in the same way a sea chantey aided sailors, the rhythm of the song helped the workers keep a steady pace pounding spikes for railroad ties. Many of the verses can be found in other “Hammer” songs such as “John Henry.”
Lyrics:
[A] This nine pound hammer [D] is a little too heavy
[A] Honey for my size [E] buddy for my size.
[A] Honey for my size buddy for my size.
[A] Honey for my size [E] buddy for my size.
[A] Honey for my size buddy for my size.
[A] So roll on buddy [D] don’t you roll so slow
[E] How can I roll [A] when the wheels won’t go
I’m going on the mountain for to see my baby
But I ain’t coming back no I ain’t coming back
So roll on buddy don’t you roll so slow
How can I roll when the wheels won’t go
There ain’t one hammer in this here tunnel
That’ll ring like mine that’ll ring like mine
So roll on buddy don’t you roll so slow
How can I roll when the wheels won’t go X 2