John Henry (song)

"John Henry" is a traditional American folk song that tells the story of a legendary steel driver who works hard to build the railway. Facing a steam-powered hammer, John Henry challenges it to prove human strength and determination. He works tirelessly, beating the machine in a race, but ultimately dies from exhaustion. The song symbolizes the struggle between human labor and industrial technology, highlighting themes of perseverance, pride, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of technological change. It’s both a tribute to hardworking laborers and a reflection on the costs of progress.