About the song
## BIG BAD JOHN: A Ballad of a Working Man
**Jimmy Dean’s** “BIG BAD JOHN” is a timeless ballad that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Released in 1961, this song became an instant hit, showcasing Dean’s powerful vocals and the enduring appeal of storytelling through music.
At its core, “BIG BAD JOHN” is a tribute to the working man, a character who embodies the rugged individualism and resilience often associated with the American frontier spirit. The song paints a vivid portrait of a man who is as tough as he is kind, a figure who faces adversity with unwavering determination.
The lyrics of “BIG BAD JOHN” are both poignant and evocative, painting a picture of a man who is physically imposing but gentle at heart. The opening lines, “He was six feet tall, a mighty man, with a heart as big as the sky,” immediately establish the character’s stature and strength. Yet, the song also reveals a softer side to John, a man who is deeply connected to his family and friends.
Dean’s vocal performance is a key element in the song’s success. His deep, resonant voice conveys a sense of gravitas and authority, perfectly capturing the character of Big Bad John. The emotion in his voice is palpable, as he delivers the lyrics with conviction and passion.
The song’s simple, repetitive melody is both catchy and memorable. The refrain, “Big Bad John, Big Bad John,” is a powerful statement that reinforces the character’s iconic status. The melody is supported by a driving rhythm section that provides a solid foundation for the song’s emotional impact.
“BIG BAD JOHN” is more than just a popular song; it is a cultural touchstone that has resonated with audiences for generations. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of the American working class, a theme that remains relevant today. It is a testament to the power of music to tell stories and connect with people on a deep emotional level.
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