John Hardy
The String Cheese Incident
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John Hardy was a desperate little man Strapped on a gun everyday Shot down a man on the West Virginia line We all seen John Hardy get away We all seen John Hardy get away Ran out to Virginia on the East stone bridge Thought he would surely be free Along come a Marshall with a gun in his hand He said Johnny come along with me Johnny come along with me John Hardy had himself a little woman yea, The dress she wore was blue Called after Johnny as he rode out of town Said Johnny I'm true to you Johnny be true to you Said he'd have to travel to the East to the West To the North to the south part of town At sundown tomorrow they'll take John Hardy down Look who was hanging down Don't let John Hardy swing down John Hardy was a desperate little man He strapped on a gun everyday He shot down a man on the West Virginia line We all seen John Hardy get away We all seen John Hardy get away
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Written by: Manfred Mann, Mike Hugg, Mike Vickers, Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing 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. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5696997/The+String+Cheese+Incident/John+Hardy>.
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