About the song
In the world of country music, few songs have left a lasting impact like “Big Bad John,” a timeless tale of heroism and tragedy that has captivated audiences for generations. Written and performed by the legendary Jimmy Dean, this iconic song has become an integral part of American folklore, reminiscent of Paul Bunyan or John Henry. Released in September 1961, “Big Bad John” quickly rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, staying at number one for five weeks and earning Dean the 1962 Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording.
The song tells the story of a mysterious and quiet miner named Big John, who earns his nickname due to his impressive height and muscular physique. According to the song, Big John hails from New Orleans, where he allegedly killed a man in a fight over a Cajun Queen. However, his heroic act of saving 20 other miners from a collapsing mine ultimately leads to his own demise, as the mine collapses and he is believed to be dead.
The song’s sequels, including “My Big John” and “The Cajun Queen,” further explore the story of Big John, with the latter describing the arrival of his Cajun Queen, who rescues him from the mine and marries him. The song’s events are more exaggerated than the original, extending the story into the realm of tall tales.
“Big Bad John” has been widely praised for its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and Dean’s powerful vocals. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Dottie West, who recorded a sequel called “My Big John,” and has been translated into several languages, including Hebrew, French, and Icelandic.
The song’s impact extends beyond the music world, with its themes of heroism and tragedy resonating with audiences across the globe. “Big Bad John” has been used in various contexts, including television advertisements, political campaigns, and even a 1990 television movie starring Dean.
In conclusion, “Big Bad John” is a country music icon that has left an indelible mark on the music industry and American culture. Its timeless story of heroism and tragedy continues to captivate audiences, making it a must-listen for fans of country music and beyond.
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