Nine Pound Hammer
Osborne Brothers · Osborne Brothers 2 (1968-1974) [Bear Family] [1995]
Oh, the nine pound hammer is just a little too heavy
Baby for my size baby for my size
Roll on buddy pull a load o'coal
How can I go when my wheels won't roll.
--- Instrumental ---
I'm goin' on the mountain gonna see my baby
But I ain't comin' back Lord I ain't comin' back
Roll on buddy pull a load o'coal
How can I go when my wheels won't roll.
--- Instrumental ---
It's a long way to Harlem it's a long way to Hazzard
Just to get a little brew just to get a little brew
Roll on buddy pull a load o'coal
How can I go when my wheels won't roll.
--- Instrumental ---
Lord, when I'm long gone you can make my tombstone
Out of number nine coal out of number nine coal
Roll on buddy pull a load o'coal
How can I go when my wheels won't roll.
Now roll on buddy don't you roll so slow
How can I go when my wheels won't roll...
Nine Pound Hammer
Nine Pound Hammer stands as a testament to the Osborne Brothers' mastery of bluegrass instrumentation and vocal harmony. Recorded during their prolific period in the late 1960s, the track showcases the duo's signature high-energy delivery and intricate fiddle and banjo interplay. As a traditional folk standard, the song benefits from the brothers' dynamic arrangement, transforming a work song into a driving showcase of their technical prowess. This recording captures the essence of their contribution to the genre, blending traditional storytelling with the polished sound that defined their era. The track remains a vital part of their extensive discography, illustrating their ability to reinterpret classic material while maintaining the raw power that made them icons of American roots music.