About the song
“Big Bad John” is more than just a country song; it’s a timeless American legend, akin to the tales of Paul Bunyan and John Henry. This iconic ballad, penned and originally performed by Jimmy Dean in 1961, quickly captured the hearts of audiences with its dramatic narrative and larger-than-life protagonist.
The song centers around a mysterious and formidable miner, known simply as “Big John.” Renowned for his immense size and strength, John is a figure of both awe and fear. His past is shrouded in mystery, with hints of a violent altercation in New Orleans involving a “Cajun Queen.”
The true test of John’s character comes when a mining disaster threatens the lives of his fellow workers. With a superhuman effort, he saves them all, but at a tragic cost. The mine collapses, sealing John’s fate and leaving behind a legacy of heroism and sacrifice.
The story of “Big Bad John” has resonated with audiences for decades. Its themes of courage, loyalty, and the American frontier spirit have made it a classic. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and Dean’s masterful storytelling.
Over the years, “Big Bad John” has spawned several sequels, expanding upon the legend and exploring the lives of those connected to the iconic miner. These follow-ups have further enriched the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the original story.
Video
Lyrics
Big John
Big John
Ev’ry mornin’ at the mine you could see him arrive
He stood six foot six and weighed 245
Kinda broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip
And everybody knew, ya didn’t give no lip to Big John
Big Bad John
(Big John)
Nobody seemed to know where John called home
He just drifted into town and stayed all alone
He didn’t say much, he kinda quiet and shy
And if you spoke at all, he just said, “Hi” to Big John
Somebody said he came from New Orleans
Where he got in a fight over a Cajun Queen
And a crashin’ blow from a huge right hand
Sent a Louisiana fellow to the Promised Land, Big John
Big Bad John
(Big John)
Then came the day at the bottom of the mine
When a timber cracked and men started cryin’
Miners were prayin’ and hearts beat fast
And everybody thought that they’d breathed their last, ‘cept John
Through the dust and the smoke of this man-made hell
Walked a giant of a man that the miners knew well
Grabbed a saggin’ timber, gave out with a groan
And like a giant Oak tree, he just stood there alone, Big John
Big Bad John
(Big John)
And with all of his strength he gave a mighty shove
Then a miner yelled out, “There’s a light up above”
And 20 men scrambled from a would-be grave
Now there’s only one left down there to save, Big John
With jacks and timbers they started back down
Then came that rumble way down in the ground
And then smoke and gas belched out of that mine
Everybody knew it was the end of the line for Big John
Big Bad John
(Big John)
Now they never reopened that worthless pit
They just placed a marble stand in front of it
These few words are written on that stand
“At the bottom of this mine lies a big, big man, Big John”
Big Bad John
(Big John)
(Big John)
Big Bad John