BIG BAD JOHN ~ Jimmy Dean (1961)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ก.ย. 2010
- BIG BAD JOHN ~ Jimmy Dean (1961) Columbia # CL 1735
Jimmy Dean - (August 10, 1928 - June 13, 2010)
Birth name: Jimmy Ray Dean
Birth place: Plainview, Texas
Place of death: Varina, Virginia (at 81 years old)
Per the notes written on the back of the JIMMY DEAN: BIG BAD JOHN AND OTHER FABULOUS SONGS AND TALES (Columbia LP #CL 1735) record jacket, it states: "Jimmy Dean had been thinking for some time of writing a song about a PAUL BUNYAN-like hero. He began writing the lyrics at home, but never quite finished them, because he had to fly to Nashville, Tennessee for a recording session with veteran Columbia producer, Don Law. Jimmy simply brought along the unfinished song. By the time he got off the plane, he was virtually jumping with excitement. The song was completed and Don Law liked it so much, that Big Bad John was recorded immediately" -
(Side note: There's a little touch of "Sixteen Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford here as well) -
Note: What many today call, "rapping" was originally, in a cleaner form, referred to as, "calling". Talking in rhyming sentences or speaking the lyrics instead of singing them, which was very common in Country & Western music. It began with the square dance "caller" who gave direction to the dancers, through rhyming sentences set to the cadence or beat of the music being played by a live band. He never sang, he just spoke the words in rhyme. Much the same as a auction house auctioneer, who speaks the bids in a fast rhythm, choosing words which often rhyme. The "caller" and the dance can be: "traced back through England to the old French cotillions" (17th century) (per Lloyd Shaw-1939).
Also, a form of "calling" or "auction house crying" can be found in the 1947 recording of, "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette) (Tex Williams & Phil Harris) or "The Darktown Poker Club" (1946) (Phil Harris) for example, and many other older recordings. Therefore, "rap" isn't new, it's just a continuation of something which started many years earlier.
(* No one has ever said this, but I believe, "Cajun Doll", by Lattie Moore, may have inspired the writing of both "Big Bad John" and "The Cajun Queen". ) - เพลง
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I used to work construction with a guy named John who was 6'7" and 325lbs. Not an ounce of fat on that guy and he was one of the nicest and hardest working men I ever knew. John lost his life to a drunk driver in 1981 at the age of 37 going home from work. I'm not ashamed to say all of us on our crew had tears for him at his funeral. You're still missed John D....God got a good one back that day.
Oh bull shit
How he die to a car he sounds like he was a literal tank
Snojunky77 I bet that guy was humongus
RIP John
Not sure if that's true or ur looking for "likes" but if it is my condolences
My pap was this song almost. He was 6'4 was built like a tank. He worked in the coal mines and the roof started caving in. He held up the roof and saved everyone in the mine. He was stuck in the collapse and survived. He had a broken back and collar bone. He wasnt paralyzed and got workers comp. He couldnt work anymore so he quit mining and retired in the late 70s. He raised my mom and was a great man. He died in 2017 after a doctor poisoned him by not taking out wires after a surgery. All i have left is his helmet, his farm, and his 1971 Chevelle SS. I miss him dearly.
Sorry man. Bet he was a good man. You keep that Chevy running well, he would’ve wanted that
@@sergeantmarcusstackerM1903 thanks man, I'm working on it
Dang well keep good
Wow....this touched my heart😕 I hope he's resting easy🕊
Let me know if you ever want to sell the SS
My brother was 6' 7" and he died in the Appin Mine Explosion in 1979. This song is so powerful to me
Damn sorry to hear that. This drink is for your brother. One hell of a man.
Frank, My Brother was not near that tall, but he packed a punch that sent a guy to the promised land, cost him 25 years of his life! He died in 84. Cancer.
Thank you and very sorry for you Michael. Happens too much in Sydney
May he Rest In Peace!
Was him name John?
You can’t beat the old country songs for story telling.
Most folk have no idea what a real ballad is anymore. Mostly snowflakey rubbish about 'hoyt feelins'.
This song in particular tells a vivid, powerful story. Makes me feel bad Big John died
becca swanson could send him to the next dimensiom, big john is a whimp
Big john sounds sexy how hot he was
They called them ballads back in that day.
Every morning at the table you can see her arrive. She stood 5'6 and weighed 195. Kinda broad at the shoulder, and broader at the hip. And everybody knew you didn't give no lip, to my mom.
Amen Henry, amen.
lol
FTW
His mom
His moooooooom
Henry's mom
Somebody's now going to perform Henry's version as a parody, wanna bet?
My Dad was "Big John". Not a coal miner but a farmer who worked hard and taught us to work. He was 6'2" and 325. This was one of his favorite songs and was played at his funeral.
Ok
@@paulpowell9595 no he wasnt
He sounds like he was a mighty fine man. May he rest in peace
❤️
Farmers are just as hard workers as miners.
My father used to love this song, he died in 1963 at the ripe young age of 53, he was 6"6 and a strong hulking man. As big as he was , he was overpowered by someone even bigger : " Mr. Cancer". When I hear this song I can still see him when I was eight years old, he was and always will be my hero. To me at 8 years old he stood ten feet tall. I'll always Love and miss you Daddy. Thanks for the memories!
My son John was a 6'3" 250# Marine who just passed away 3 weeks ago with stage 4 colon cancer. He loved that song because I use to sing it to him every night when I rocked him to sleep when he was a baby.
@@beejay1943 My condolences Mrs. Webb ,I'm so sorry I know the pain and even with time it still hurts. Just take it one day at a time the pain will slowly subside with God's help.😪😇😇
Love to you xxx
@@LlamasOnMySofa Thank you so much, likewise too you also!
Don’t worry he has his Cajun queen
This was my pops, he was 6’7 and 350 hands the size of dinner plates and a heart for his family like no other. And one of the hardest working men I knew.
RIP “Big Mike” Jan 27, 2022
Oh fr?
@@PatricKelly-xb2ir Zinger
I'm 62 yrs old. This is the first song I remember on the radio and I loved it. It still sounds great to my old ears!
I'm 59 ,we ain't old yet.
this style of delivery is what gave birth to rap music
@@ratbastard1811 it's all spoken word story telling. I'm not the first to say it.
Derrick Frieson Derek I'm 63 and I remember when this was on the radio at least once or twice a week in the sixties.. every kid in the neighborhood knew every word to it.
I'm 62 this May outside Philly
That little "clink" of the miner's pick is the great pianist Floyd Cramer, who grabbed a couple of pieces of steel to hit together because he thought the song needed something extra.
Time like this is when music was real and had a meaning. That’s what’s wrong with this world now there’s not enough Big Johns. 💪🏼
I like it.
@@SecondEvilEx Sounds like a tambourine...
Johnny Cash did the same thing with his song " The Legend of John Henrys Hammer.
@Michael Semon 😂 big John vs BLM 💪🏼
My dad passed years ago. This was his song. He was Cree and Ojibwe 6' something. He gave me this cd before he passed. For anyone who loves this song I stand with you. :)
I'm coastal native..we short lol
Washington state
That’s awesome 🤍🤍 I am from the hometown of Jimmy Dean and I’m native as well 🤍🤍 your dad had great taste as well
I'm woodlands cree
Sorry to hear that for u
Ich liebe Jimmy Dean und kann deinen Vater sehr gut verstehen!
Beste Grüße aus Deutschland ❤
2024 and this song is still in my playlist
My dad was called big john, he stood 6’5. But after he was spited upon when he left Vietnam, he said he felt worthless. He is dead now, and on his grave stone I put here rest a big,
big man. Love you dad ❤️
Shame on those who treated Vietnam vets this way. I thank your dad for his service and sacrifice.
David Martin,
Thank you sir for your comment. And I know my dad would have liked it too.
@@mikeashcroft5261 , Jane Fonda
mike you sound like a big big man yourself my hat's off to you brother don't ever forget your dad
Songs with heart and soul that spoke simple truth.I hope Heaven is very much like that.This modern world sucks for honest people who work hard.
My grandpa was killed in the mines. Hearts out to all miners everywhere.
Ray Clark ❤️
So did mine!
goteem
Ray Clark: I’m sorry to hear that. 🌸🌺
:(
I remember as a kid listening to this song on my dad’s 8 track player in his Plymouth Duster. When John got killed my dad would pretend to cry and all us kids would start crying for real. Every time I hear this song I time travel back to that and get misty eyed
Great story.
👍
Too sweet!
This song really still gives me the chills. Amen to great music
Big Bad Paulie
Darn right. This is what you call REAL country music, this crap today doesn’t deserve to be called country music.
Conway Twitty was a great story teller also
My Dad was a miner for 33 years, and my grandfather before him for 40 years. My Dad lost 2 very close friends to accidents in the mines over his time, I knew them both well growing up and still see the children. When you grow up in a mining community you always remain close to others and understand the real meaning of the words "Friends" and "Togetherness". I visited this page today, just browsing and reminiscing, brought back great memories of my Dad and the mining families I grew up with. Having read many of the great comments I wanted to add my thanks to all those fine men that worked the mines in often atrocious conditions to provide us (People of a certain age) with power and heat, at a time when we didn't have video games and computers as kids, and were content with a 20" TV, a transistor radio or a simple board game to play with family. As a 14 year old I was taken down the mine on a visit by my Dad where the true horror of the working conditions still lives with me today. The "Yard seams" that they used to crawl along with barely 18" between floor and roof, the "man-rider" belts that you felt like you where brushing the ceiling with your nose as you laid down on your back, the "safety holes" where the men scurried into if rockfalls or runaway carriages came down the "road", these were also where the men sat and ate their lunch each day. But the one overriding memory I have of that day was on the exit from the "Yard seam" was an old piece of conveyor bely hung up covering the entrance. On it was written "Lord, when these men arrive at your gates, please let them in, for they have already spent their time in HELL"...………….GOD BLESS ALL MINERS THE WORLD OVER, MAY THE LORD WATCH OVER YOU!!!
Good words!! my great grandad died in a coal mine near price utah in the 1920’s I named my son John !
Incredible comment. A reminder of how it used to be 👍
My great grandfathers worked coal mines in West Virginia, my grandfather worked for "Appalachia power and lights", retired in the seventies, I went down in the mines as a boy, just to be shown what they were like. The "mine accidents" were just a part of life in those days. I remember those days with pride.
Why don't you talk about how John's going to f****** knock somebody out and down there and Laughlin
I was a miner for over 40 years, i knew a few guys in my time like him.
The description in the song sounds like the guys from The Green Mile. With how big that guy was
Michael Bower no one gives a fucking shit
@@johnnysins8353 A lot of people do . Show some respect idiot.
@@johnnysins8353
Show some respect. Just because your life is meaningless don't mean you get to take it out on others.
Respect.
Who’s here in 2020 baby🇺🇸🇺🇸
haha
I is
Present and accounted for
Of course
🇺🇸
I just love that so, so many people have or had a Big John in their lives - their own dads, brothers, uncles. I always considered this somewhat of a novelty song (not many ballads around now) but I realise now that Boy, does it strike a universal chord.
Beautiful.
This song was a huge part of my childhood...not just because its a great song but because as a child I swore it was about my Popo...my grandfather. He was 6'6 and named John. Born on February 12, 1935 he was raised working on an old farm the old fashion way. At age 18 he served in the US airforce as a Mechanic where he helped write the training aircraft for the T-37. Ended up working at a coal mine then at a Railroad for till he retired in 1997. My favorite memories of him are of him standing face to face with Andre the Giant in a texas airport. I remember him as a true giant of a man who lived life as a blue collar worker where in the end it was his family that was most important to him. He passed away on Feb 18th of this year and I will never forget him or this song till the day I join him. thank you Mr. Dean for giving me a song to help remember him by....and thank you to anyone who may read this.
BlackJack Reviews wow! We called ours popo too
Good story
BlackJack Reviews My birthday is February 18th gosh darn it
Love that you can hear this song as a story about your grandfather... class!
Well ~ My husband was also born on February 12, and though his name is not John, I could swear this song is about him... the only man I’ve ever personally known with the guts, heart, grit, and strength of character and body to deserve such a slab. His name is Randall Gene Rose. Seems some mighty great men were born the twelfth of February. Bless and thank them all.
Played this song when I was little girl. Dad got sick of it and broke the record. So a few years back I got it on cd played it to death. So at my dads funeral I played it again
Omg I had a record player and 2. 45s. King of the Road and The Candyman. I played them over and over and even over again. Lol you just reminded me of my childhood
My great grandfather died in a coal mine in Silesia in 1941, leaving my grandmother and her siblings orphaned. That song gives me goose bumps.
My great grandpa died in a coal mine near price utah in the 1920’s I now have a son I named John in part due to this song.
Ok yuyuu I’m good 🙂 I’ll get it later today if I can get a good sleep soon I’m good I’m not good I’m mama daddy mama m
This song means a lot to me. My grandfather was practically big John
SNAP
My son is 6'6" and 245. (But he would be the first to escape from the mine. Weasel.) We laugh about this song. But it brings tears to my eyes every time.
An AR15 would fix big John real quick
My grandfather was about 5'8..biggest man I'd met till I met a guy who is 6'3 and the best man I've ever met, I said just that at his wedding as his best man.
This song is really good. Its creative. As simple as it seems its actually very deep. Its a song about redemption. Big John killed a man in New Orleans in an argument over a woman. He ran from the law to another part of the country and took a job as a miner. In the end he saves the lives of 20 men by sacrificing himself. Really good song. Big Bad john.
Owen Ent Are you thinking of the Scott Reynolds Nelson (2006) "John Henry", who was rumored to have been a blaster or tunneler, but not an actual miner ? Up until Disney portrayed the "John Henry" character as being black, the folk hero had no nationality given to it, as far as I can remember. It's doubtful that Country & Western entertainers like, Jimmy Dean & Roy Acuff, the composers of, "Bad Bad John", had the "John Henry" that Scott Nelson speaks of in mind when they sat down and wrote the song. The follow-up was a song called, "The Cajun Queen",(comp. Wayne P. Walker) a woman, who would have most likely been a gal of French heritage or Caucasian, who was in love with "Big Bad John" and is said to brought him back to life with a kiss (interracial romance was not accepted back then). Given the time period when the songs were to have taken place, possibly the 1800's, and given the time period which the songs were both composed, 1961-62, and who they were composed by, Dean & Acuff (Big Bad John) & Wayne P. Walker (The Cajun Queen), I would have to suspect that Jimmy Dean's, "Big Bad John", was most likely white or Caucasian and not African American. A little research into historical railroad figure, John "Jack" Casement (1829-1909), nicknamed, "The Champion Track Layer Of The Continent", might also have been the person in mind for the folklore hero called, "John Henry". I guess we'll never know for sure either way, for "John Henry" was just folklore.
I always got the impression that that was a false rumor. The song goes "Somebody said he came from New Orleans ...", so, to me, that means it was just a rumor that was going around, not necessarily John's real story. So it was about people misjudging him because he looked like a mean scary person
@@MrRJDB1969 John Henry was sentenced to 10 years for shoplifting at the age of 19, the prison he was sentenced to tried to make money leasing inmates to railroad companies, roughly 150 inmates died from this due to deadly working conditions and the lack of proper safety equipment.
@@owenent9636 - Are you ignoring the record liner notes ? Where you finding John Henry in this ?
@@redbear2113 - John Henry was a fictitious character, as was Paul Bunyan, but Paul Bunyan was mentioned on the actual record jacket notes, not John Henry. I believe Jimmy Dean knew who he had in mind when he wrote the song, more than we in 2o20, would.
This was my dad's nickname, he was a boxer in the Navy, he wasn't a miner but in my eyes he was the best man i've have ever known in my life. I'll always miss him. Love yea Dad.
You are Lucky..just like me..my Dad was a British Champion..His name was John..best man I ever met.
Mine too.
I can relate to that!!
And rightly proud you should be son. Bless you and his memory.
I was born in 1960. I grew up listening to this song. I think it's a part of my soul.
I worked in an underground coal mine in southwest PA for 41 years. I had a lot of close calls, but was never hurt. I would sing that song all the time!
Every time I here this song I think of my Grandfather. He didn't die in a mine. he died at home but He was a big man in a time when not many were. Today 6'5" men are common but he grew up in the early 1920s. For sure no one gave him lip ,at least not twice. He had five daughters and each husband got the warning at what would happen if they ever hurt his little girl. Never had to carry it out. lol Mom told me when boys got a little too bold all she did was tell them who her father was. My grandmother was a tiny 4'9" tall and my mother wasn't much bigger. Unfortunately I inherited the small size but my son has to duck to go through doors, wears size 18 shoes and weighs over 300 lbs No one gives him lip either.
Incredible song, written in 15 minutes. I love Jimmy Dean.~2020
Hello friend, how are you doing today today..
@williamrolls169 he's good, he's doing fine..
NOW LEAVE US ALL ALONE SHADOW MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reminds me of my dad he passed away last week. He was about 6'4 weight about 260 and built like a monster. He worked as a forman around when he retired after 38 years of working at the piping plant. Used to build the giant underground pipes. But I remember at home the sound of a sledgehammer hitting a chisel when hed split wood to burn and it sounded like the background of this song.
I hope he got to enjoy some good retirement time. We toil the best years of our life because we need to make money. But hopefully we can enjoy at least 5 great years of retirement.
2 I’m okay ✅ I don’t want to go get home and I’m not gonna get it back soon I’m sorry I’m not good with you I’m not going to bed too soon I’m not gonna
This song never fails to move me. No greater love hath a man than one that would lay down his life for his brothers. I can't think of a better legacy to leave behind than that.
God bless you
@@kevinsmith7604 Right back a ya, Kevin.....
Amen. We need more men like him.
My dad was named John (he was 6’4) and he played this song as an ego boost. Good meories, love you dad. R.I.P
This is one of those songs that you can visualize the while it’s being sung!
ddmfh. Dnd nmeowlvmselamd
Original rap.
A crashn right hand sent a Louisiana man to the promised land, such eloquent poignancy, marvellous and sombre, moving experience every time I listen and feel the way through Jimmy Deans story of Big Bad John.
Thankyou 🙏
My grandpa was named John and he fits the description almost exactly. He stood at 6’0. He was the nicest man I’ve ever met. He was intimidating but nice at the same time. He always sang this song… but only said big bad me. Died in 2018, miss him lots.
Hello 👋 Cody how are you doing today?
My mama was born in 1926, she is still here, just like quenn elizabeth, mom still loves Jimmy dean sausages....
Sorry couldn't resist mam happy this song makes you happy and reminds you of someone your close to and can still talk to or hold or whatever you want...those relationships with our parents/grandparents is so important and most people take it for granted till they are gone( I know I did)...peace to you brother
Both those likes from me🤣🤣🤣, good stuff , plus u cleaned it up , nothing but love
and may they both make a century.
Anyone else listening in 2019?
Yep
Wow. Real music of 60. 70 ‘s. Never can replace it. True love!!!!
@@denisesills3111 WHY NOT, Its great lyrics and music
7-23-2019 yep real music never dies
U BET!!!MY DAD COULD NOT KEEP MY HANDS OFF HIS RECORD COLLECTION AND THIS ALBUM WAS MY FAVORITE
Every mornin' at the mine you could see him arrive
He stood six-foot-six and weighed two-forty-five
Kinda broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip
And everybody knew ya didn't give no lip to big John
(Big John, 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, kinda quiet and shy
And if you spoke at all, you 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 John, 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 John, 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 twenty 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 John, 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 John, big John)
Big bad John (big John)
(Big John) big bad John
My dad was born in the sixty's and I was born in 2009 and I know all of the lyrics to this song.
@Learned Duvel : Many Thanks ! ❤🙏 🇬🇧
You nailed it!!! Good job. I'm 67 years old and that's still my favorite song. I got off of my bar stool once and grabbed the microphone from this guy in the band
I sang that song word by word and got a standing ovation.
Jimmy Dean sure whacked it out of the stadium with this great song!!
"Through The Dust And The Smoke Of This Man Made Hell Walked A Giant Of A Man That The Men Knew Well"! Fantastic Line From A Brilliant Song!😂🤠👷🌳🏜️🇺🇸
I love this song so much. I like stories of redemption and self sacrifice and this one gives me chills.
True, not many of these today
John Cash was a great one for this kinda stuff.
Yeah like the song Gambler from K. Rogers.
What about the true story of Jesus Christ? Self sacrifice and the redemption of all who trust his words and his example
@@provotoprevo2609 True story? You can not prove your magic man living in the sky exist. Keep your religion to yourself and we all will get along.
I served on the USS John F. Kennedy 2003-2005. When we had to do an Underway replenishment, (taking on fuel and supplies) upon completion of the successful UnRep, this song was played as we pulled away from the refueling ship! This was one of my fondest memories while I served. I currently stand 6'7 245 so maybe I can be an honorary "Big John" representative lol! Thanks for the memories! IYAOYAS
Did it back on JFK when I was aboard in 84 to 88. AQCS in AIMD
Thank you for service fellers, we owe you one.
I remember the carrier USS John F. Kennedy CV67 in Norfolk,VA when I was on my first ship the USS Seattle AOE-3 both of our ship were gone most of the time from Norfolk. My first time at sea my ship received ammo from you ship in late September,1972 it was returning from a year in the Med which the USS Forrestal CV59 spent most of its time in port, it was called building 59.Th carrier USS John F.Kennedy CV67 was called Big Bad John in the Virginia
I lot newspaper in Norfolk, my first ship was called the King of the Med.
@@christopherorourke6543 x
Thank you for your serice
I got a uncle that was also named John and he was 6'4 260lbs, but he ended up passing away a few years back, this song means so much to my fam.❤
I worked with a Big John for about 6 months at a concrete pipe plant. He was about 6' 2", give or take. Only nice man in that damn place. Had a heart of gold and walked a little funny... No idea where he is now. Kinda miss him.
First father's day without my dad. He loved this song. I miss him every day.
Same here. Love you Dad!
Condolences
:(
Sorry man 😞😞😞
Love our Parents while they are still with us. My Dad will be 80 soon, my mom 79.
I was a new Filipino immigrant in Clovis, New Mexico when I first heard this piece. I was in 6 grade I thought to myself...America, what an awesome country!!! I still do today.
What happen to the good old days when we had soda for a dime and great songs on the radio.
Only a true man is willing to put his life down for other men.
amen to that brother I would of lost mine if it hadn't been for a coworker who saved me if I could only trade you places R.I.P. Kip until we meet again your my Angel gary
Yha i know. I knew a man who gave his life for everyman on the face of the earth till the Judgement. Jesus Christ, my Savior.
Jdjdj smith I feel sorry for your atheist ass.
Jdjdj smith. May the God of creation bless you, my friend.
@@lobo7792 your faith is your own decision but i wanna say, the human condition is an amazing thing, and knowing that you'll go to heaven so you give your life is a bit different that evaluation based on all the livin people could do, putting other people first, with uncertainty, that's what makes human kindness so beautiful, jesus had certainty so what was there to lose he knew he would be venorated in sacrifice, life is precious and giving it up to uncertainty is so respectable when it's in good faith in your fellow man
The Imagery that this song evokes is incredible. Why can't songwriters today do this? It's terrible. I grew up in the 60's. I miss it a lot.
My father was one of the 22 men who died in the Viking Coal Mine explosion of March 2nd, 1961. (This song came out a month later. I would hear it on the radio constantly. I would put my ear to the speaker and hold back tears.) My mother was a 25 year old widow with 4 kids to raise...my older sister, Sandy (7), me (6), my younger sister, Debbie (5), and my younger brother, Danny (3) - (who sadly passed away suddenly in March of 2005). She never married again, though she dated a man named Tony, a plumber. He was a good man. He gave me a train set that Christmas. He had nailed an oval track set on to a 6 by 4 flat board. I could lay on my stomach inside the oval and watch the train go around me over and over forever. She apparently chose not to marry him though he asked her to. He disappeared and I never saw him after that. It was kind of like losing a dad all over again. No seeking sympathy here, but I am only now realizing how that felt. I can't recall if I was 7 or 8. Our mother never dated again. It got much, much worse, but we somehow managed to survive. I got mostly A's in school until the second quarter of my freshman year, when (God only knows why) but I started skipping all my classes and had to take my freshman year over again. I barely made it out of h.s. with 63 credits - though 84 were required. I got a diploma because my guidance counselor must have covered for me. I was 19 when I "graduated". I went to a community college but dropped out after the first semester. I couldn't think or study. I smoked pot, got saved, and become one of the most inconsistent and feeble so called believers ever. Forty six years later I shockingly became utterly devoted in prayer, Bible reading, studying spiritual masters and witnessing... until an emotional set back...in which I fell apart and stopped everything 8 days ago. I'm hoping to recover. But, having failed in my marriage and been divorced, I struggle on because I have an 18 year old daughter and 13 year old son. I wish I could have had a fairly happy life, but for my kids' sake I can't and won't give up. If I can recover spiritually I guess the sorrow of so much failure will go away...since the Bible says there will be "no more sorrow" in heaven. I almost don't believe even that, but I'm not about to believe Jesus would say it if it wasn't true. As for now though, I'll refocus on my spiritual "well being" and my kids. They are happy and hopeful about life...and I pray they always will be. One day at a time...if you are like me, try not to give up. I'm hoping by making this post I can get back on track.
Very well worded, it was a treat reading your story and you sound like a strong person to have gone thru all that
@@jacksongatlin5418 Your gracious comment popped up on my screen. I appreciate what you said. We all suffer in one way or another in this life, or as someone (a writer, most likely) put it..."this veil of tears". But not all is sadness or sorrow...my greatest consolation is that my kids are happy and hopeful about life. That is more than enough for me to feel good and hopeful as well. Peace and God's love to you. And I will pray that we may meet in Heaven. I still believe that Jesus is helping me to get there, in spite of all of my flaws and weaknesses. I still see him coming through when I would stumble or be tempted to say enough. I am fully aware that everyone experiences the dark side of life in one way or another. And of course, we all live under the ever present shadow of death. My faith helps me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope you will see it as well. My God bless you and your loved ones.
Hang in there brother. Simply look for the positives in each day no matter how small and give thanks for them as they occur. This will lift your spirits. Also give thanks at the end of the day for the good things that happened and for any bad things that were averted. Talk to the Lord throughout the day - as you would with a family member or friend - that interaction will bring your faith back. I will pray for you brother too. 🙏
My Dad was Big Paul aka Big John a car mechanic master of many people repaired the car for free and earned his money with the rich people, but always had a heart for poor people.
what happened to country music today I love the old country music
I know!
U are so rite
So don't I 1960 to 1990s was the greatest years for country music I miss the days
Now it's all about how a guy loves a girl and it's all just love song. Start making more songs that tell a story.
We all do
My great grandfathers father was injured in a coal mining accident in 1923 in a mine near Rimersburg Pa and died in 1925 from his injuries. My great grandfather past away two days ago and his nickname was Big John
I used to camp in east brady
I'll make sure to smoke some big bad Chron in the name of Big Fat John
Never met my moms' father.
Heard he was a Slovak with a gold earring and a coal miner.
He died before 1960, Black Lung and Cirrosis.
My heart salutes all Cole miners and their families. American heros
So did he pass away two days ago or in 1925 which one is it?
When I was a baby my grandpa use to call me big john after this song
I miss his everyday
i was born in 62 and love this song
Sad story, brilliant song :D
I know a man bigger than Big John. He loved this song and sang it with a guitar that he made look small. He died yesterday and I came here to listen to a song he'd sing to me when I was a kid. RIP Mike Keeney, aka, Big Mike.
I’d like to start off by saying, my condolences for everyone that has lost someone great in their lives and this songs brings you to that good time you had with said person... they are with you and carry you with them as well. But I also wanna say I heard this song for the first time on Tuesday Feb. 9th 2021, trimming weed (legally) and it was great.
K3noath brother. Cheers for th3 comment.
Big John is the kinda lad you never forget. More noble than his position in life dictated. One of countless heroes
every morning at the mine you could see him arrive, he stood six foot six, and weighed 245 ! great track great post
yes this is a great song good one Dave
I remember this song fondly. My dad's radio alarm clock would go off every morning at 5am. Often this song would be playing. AM radio, great music, simpler times.
Hello ✋
First time I’ve ever heard this song; that’s awesome! 😎
Been listening to this song since '61... never tire of it!
🙏
Fantastic song. Came out when I was nine and I remember ever word still at the age of seventy.
I heard this on the radio recently. I hadn't heard it in years. The song got stuck in my head, so I was singing it at home. After about 2 minutes my wife screamed at me . .
You must sing as well as me😁
My uncle was a big guy. He flew a fighter plane in WW2. After the war, he became a firefighter and eventually became chief. His name was John and this was played at his funeral.
Beautiful picture 🌹 😉 💚
Hello ✋
this played at my grandmother's a month ago and I stood by the window listening to this while drinking tea. I've been into 1950/1960s music my whole life. Started out with Johnny Cash.
EDIT: holy shit 2 years have already gone by, where has time gone to?!
One of my daddy's favorite songs. As a kid, we used to sing this together when it came on the radio. Brings back such nice memories.
+OneWomanAndSomeSongs Same here. Plus Johnny Cash and Roger Miller…
my daddy's favorite song to
Too
This was my Dad too, His name was John. We lost him to cancer 6 years ago.
+Cynthia Hirtz mine was big John too. he passed 6 years ago..
This was my dad , sadly gone , the best man I’ve ever known , Big John .
I 'm a big fan. Jimmy and I shared birthdays ;) Still makes me cry.
What a great song. This will never sound bad.
My grandfather was a coal miner and blacksmith. He named his oldest son (my dad) John, and my dad named me John. Grandpa was a tough SOB; drank, smoked, fought, had black-lung and lived to be 85. I hope I have a good percentage of his genes.
He sounds like a propper lad! No wonder your proud.
Star wars my grandpa
Once you place those six variables into the proper order, you might just be on to something.
Big John always just said Hi. Just like my dad, real hell of a man.
First heard this song when I was about 5 years old. Have never forgotten it.
"At the bottom of this mine lies one helluva man. Big John" The original plaque writing but the radio stations at the time didn't allow the word hell so it was changed.
Yes, but "man-made hell" stayed in.
I noticed that too.
I actually like the version "at the bottom of this man lies a big, big man, BJ" better than "hellava big man".
I've been looking for the version that has "AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS MINE LIES ONE HELL OF A MAN" but I can't find it, do you know where lt is?
@@welchshahan714 Here's the original version:
th-cam.com/video/RN3exiuyQJc/w-d-xo.html
.
Love spoken songs. This is one of the best.
.
Try Jim reeves Old tige
Vincent Yodsnukis Yup, have it on my music.
When country music was real country. So many songs remind me of my Dad too. He loved these songs. 🥰
My father's name was Jon. He'll always be Big Jon to me. Miss ya Dad!!
My father's name was John. When thus song came on everyone would sing it and look at him and he's smile. He passed away February 2nd after someone hit him at a delight while he was stopped at a red light. It's been two weeks. I love you pops. I miss you and love you more than anything in the world. Your legacy will live one threw your son's and grand children. I love you dad
I was born in 58', remember loving it when I was a kid and haven't heard again until just now. Brings back good memories.
You still alive?
@@Guy.WhoAsked Fortunately, yes. :D
@@ayokay123 that's nice to hear.
this song reminds me of this big girl who would drag me from out underneathe the bed when i hid from her and she would beat the crap out of me it hurt but i loved it and darn near got a concussion. im luck im still alive
if i realy pissed her off she could have broke my neck and killed me
Born in 1996 & I remembered this song from my childhood, I had to search TH-cam & it popped up..THANK YOU..some songs you hear as a kid just brings you back..priceless & timeless!
Big Bad John Lundstram! You absolute hero! ❤️🤍💙
Hello how are you doing today..?
A great song that's become a classic. A great tribute to the brave souls who risk everything so that they can provide for their families. To all of those who've lost their lives may you rest in peace.
May Jimmy Dean rest in peace. Thank you for all the great music.
He'll live forever through his music.
Listening in July 2019! Im only 24. This is nothing but memories of my pops. 🙏 Hes 75 😏
well son iam 48 my pops 82 i feel ya
@@dominicmendillo9203 well I'm 76 and remember the first release of this song. still Love IT
I just turned 17 and this is song reminds me of my grandpa he sang it every morning and all morning
aha, alrighty, mate. you can love this music at any age, my man!!
I'm 52 & still love this song since the first time I've listened to this song.
One of my favourite songs as a kid in the early 1960s.
WhAt about kung-fu fighting ?
@@hungsolow4851Also awesome
My baby brother John was 6 ft 4. at the age of 21. he was bigger then life.this song reminds me of him so much..🕯️ I always light a candle for him. :)
Am I the only one shedding a tear while listening to this amazing song?
A tribute to every miner who gave his life to save others. Also a tribute to every miner who has risked his life to save others.
I'm not a miner but my dad was. so a very big thankyou
+Patrick Ritchie I lived in a mining town for a while, and learned to respect and admire miners. Long may they remain the great people they are!
true words Amen
+absue hi
absue West Virginia's theme song
this song absolutely rips boy
My dad John, said that my grandfather would sing this to him when he was young. Rest in peace grandpa.❤😢🎉✌️🕊️
this reminds me of my grandpa. his name was actually John since its a name that has been passed down through my family. he was 6 foot 6 or more and worked in a coal mine. fortunately he did not die in the mine but breathing the fumes from the mine dying from black lung as well as cancer in 78. he was a WW2 vet I even have letters he sent my great grandparent from Berlin Germany in 1945. since he did so long ago I never got to meet him since I'm in my early twenties. but what is also ironic is the stories described in this song of how big John was being a tough man is the same with my grandpa. my dad, aunts, and uncles all say he was a tough guy just like Big bad John. I would have loved to have meet my grandpa John.
Your Grandpa is the kind of guy that I would like to have a drink with.
+BIGBLOCK5022006 same here. my dad told me one time he his sister and his dad were at a bar and someone brought some moonshine in. my dad tried some and noted how strong it was. they were all sitting in front of the counter. my dad got up and feel right down. I think my grandpa had some to but he knew not to get up just yet plus I think he was a hard drinker and could have taken it a little better.
So many great men where lost in world war 2 my father a s well let's not forget them and further honor the heros by voting Trump in so their deaths donor go in vain...
no matter who you vote for there deaths where not in vain. but i don't think there are any good options.
Boy you ain't kidding!
This song gives me chills
Same
@@noahtherandomgamer4646 Me too. Never heard this whole song before a few minutes ago.
This is the most wholesome and heartwarming comment section I've ever read. I wish I could thank all these people for sharing about the Big Johns in their lives, the memories they have from listening with a loved one, and all the other wonderful stories related to this song. It's brought tears to my eyes seeing so many souls kept alive through these stories. We are the prints we leave on the world, and I never thought I'd find such a beautiful collection under a song on youtube! Thank you all ❤
I'm fortunate enough that my "Big John" (my pops) is still with us. He loves this song and can't help but perform along. I hope I have many many more years with him because I want him to perform for my kids one day ❤
I was 7 when this song came out. Got the 45 & listened to it over & over. I played it so much my mom wanted to throw me down a mine shaft. Great song.
My dad was 6'9 Texas State Trooper got killed in a shootout saving other police officers i am now a police officer
Back when you listened too a song and imagined your own music video
Still do that myself, these days.
Exactly! Very well put.
Thus song gives me chills... I'm just 42 now, but I developed a big love and respect for this music at a really early age....
This song is a beautiful, bittersweet story of a real man.... Always gives me chills
Yeah it takes me to a good place in my head
Me too
My oldest brother loved this song. He was 6'4". RIP MIKE.
I love this one from 1961!
Hello how are you doing…?
Now there was a *true* hero: Big John.
No, it was Big Bruce.
Legend says big John is still down there today