John Hardy
Bobby Bare
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
John Hardy here was a desperate little man Carried two guns every day He shot a man on the West Virginia line And I’ve seen John Hardy getting away oh boy I’ve seen John Hardy getting away And John Hardy went to the Keystone bridge He thought that he was free Upstepped the deputy and he caught him by the arm He said: John Hardy come and go with me oh boy John Hardy come and go with me John Hardy come and go with me oh boy John Hardy come and go with me John Hardy had a mother and a dad Get down to come and go as bad There was no bell for the murdering man They chased John Hardy back in jail oh boy They chased John Hardy back in jail They chased John Hardy back in jail oh boy They chased John Hardy back in jail That John Hardy had a pretty little wife Dressed like she wore the blue She came to the jailhouse with a loud loud shout John Hardy I’ve been true to you oh boy John Hardy I’ve been true to you Yes, Johnny I’ve been true to you oh boy Johnny I’ve been true to you John Hardy, he was standing in his cell With tears rolling down his eyes Been at the death of many poor men Now I’m ready to die oh boy Now I’m ready to die Now I’m ready to die oh boy Now I’m ready to die Been to the east, I’ve been to the west I’ve been the whole world around Been to the river and I’ve been baptized Take me to my hanging ground, Lord, Lord Take me to my hanging ground And John Hardy walked out on the sky full high Pretty little wife by his side And the last word she heard for John old sake I’ll meet now sweet, bye, bye, love, love Meet now sweet, bye, bye, love, love
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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".
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
LyricsThe lyrics of "John Hardy" recount the story of the main character's crime, trial, and execution, serving as a cautionary tale against violence.
|
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.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"John Hardy Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28306170/Bobby+Bare/John+Hardy>.
Discuss the John Hardy Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In