About the song
“Big Bad John” is a timeless country classic that has captured the hearts of many. Written and composed by the legendary Jimmy Dean, this iconic song was released in September 1961 and quickly rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success earned Dean the 1962 Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording and a nomination for Song of the Year.
This beloved song tells a tale reminiscent of American folklore, echoing the stories of Paul Bunyan and John Henry. The narrative follows the life of a mysterious and quiet miner, known as Big John, who stands out due to his towering height, weight, and muscular build. Hailing from New Orleans, Big John’s reputation precedes him, with whispers of a past altercation that ended in tragedy.
The song’s climax takes place in a mine, where a catastrophic accident occurs, and Big John’s bravery and strength are put to the ultimate test. With his selfless act, he saves the lives of 20 fellow miners, but ultimately sacrifices his own. The song’s poignant ending has become an iconic part of American music history, with a marble stand erected in front of the mine, bearing the inscription “At the bottom of this mine lies one hell of a man – Big John.”
This introduction aims to provide a concise and respectful overview of the song’s story and significance, making it accessible to readers of all ages.
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