About the song
Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John” is more than just a country song; it’s a modern American myth. Released in 1961, this ballad quickly captured the nation’s imagination with its tale of a larger-than-life miner who, through sheer strength and courage, saves his fellow workers from a perilous mine collapse. The song’s enduring popularity lies not only in its rousing melody and Dean’s dramatic performance but also in its ability to tap into deep-seated American values of individualism, heroism, and the triumph of the underdog.
The character of Big Bad John is a quintessential American archetype, reminiscent of figures like Paul Bunyan and John Henry. He is a man of extraordinary physical prowess, yet his true greatness lies in his selfless act of bravery. The song’s narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency and suspense, as John’s fate hangs in the balance. The climax, where he single-handedly props up a collapsing mine shaft, is a moment of pure, unadulterated heroism.
Beyond its immediate impact, “Big Bad John” has left a lasting legacy in popular culture. Its story has been adapted for television and film, and the song itself has been covered by countless artists. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us of the power of human spirit and the importance of standing up for what is right.
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