If you've turned on the news any time in the past...few years, you've probably heard something about jobs, job creation, labor issues, there not being enough jobs, etc. With all the talk on the television about job-related issues, and with all the people now out of a job or feeling trapped in a less-than-favorable job situation because of a sketchy job market, I've been thinking an awful lot about all the folk songs that have been made up to comment on jobs and labor.
It's hard to honor the long history of work songs and labor hymns without taking a close look at the legend of "John Henry." Of course, John Henry was a real man and historians have been able to tell us at least part of the legend is true. But, songs about Henry have evolved so vastly over the past century since the man lived and worked, the legend of his life has become quite larger than life in the process. Still, if you look at the evolution of the song "John Henry" and other songs invoking the man, you can follow the lyrics for a fairly narrative look at how the labor movement has unfolded.
You've got to love folk music for its place in our collective oral history. Check out the story of "John Henry" and, in the process, you can take a listen to some songs bearing his name.
image © Dial Press
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