Nine Pound Hammer
Hank Thompson · Hank Thompson & His Brazos Val [2003]
For my size oh baby for my size
I'm goin' on the mountain I gotta see my baby
And I ain't comin' back no I ain't comin' back
Say roll on buddy don't you roll so slow
How can I go when the wheels won't roll
Say roll on buddy pull a load o'coal
How can I go when the wheels won't roll
[ guitar ]
Well it's a long way to Harlan and a long way to Hazzard
Just to get a little brew just to get a little brew
Now when I'm long gone baby make my tombstone
Out of number nine coal out of number nine coal
Say roll on buddy...
[ steel ]
Say roll on buddy...
Nine Pound Hammer
Hank Thompson's "Nine Pound Hammer" stands as a definitive example of 1950s country storytelling, blending traditional folk instrumentation with a narrative of rural hardship. The song's title references the heavy hammer used by coal miners, a symbol of the physical labor and economic struggles that defined the Appalachian coal fields where Thompson grew up. Recorded during the height of the country music boom, the track exemplifies the genre's ability to translate the gritty realities of working-class life into accessible, emotive ballads. Its enduring popularity highlights Thompson's skill in crafting lyrics that resonate with universal themes of toil and resilience, cementing his legacy as a master of the American folk tradition.