Roll On Buddy (Version 2, handwritten, key of E)
Public domain - full karaoke IMMHA-L360
Credit: Traditional · traditional (recorded 1928)
Origin: Traditional Appalachian work song, related to 'Nine Pound Hammer' and recorded by the Bowman Brothers (1928) and others; treated as traditional and public domain. Handwritten in purple ink (cursive) with chords, key of E, on yellowed paper. No writer shown. This version has 'I'll wait in the cut' where Version 1 has 'by the track'.
Source: https://www.bluegrassmessengers.com/roll-on-buddy.aspx
Lyrics sheet: courtesy of Country Roads Folk Music Camp, Mount Madonna County Park, California (about the camp)
Original scan: from John's songbook (scan to be posted on @IMMHACAL)
Chords as printed on the original song sheet. Chords as handwritten.
E7 A A7 Oh roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow B7 E Buddy how can I roll when the wheels won't go? E7 A A7 Well won't somebody come and grease my buggy B7 E So the wheels will roll, so the wheels will roll E7 A A7 Now one of these days, and it won't be long B7 E You're gonna call my name and I'll be gone E7 A A7 Oh roll on buddy, and make your time B7 E For I am sick and I can't make mine E7 A A7 I wish I was a rich man's son B7 E I'd sit on the bank and watch the work get done E7 A A7 But as it is, I'm a poor man's son B7 E I'll wait in the cut 'till the pay train comes E7 A A7 Oh roll on buddy and do your best B7 E When the sun goes down, sit down and rest E7 A A7 This nine pound hammer's just a little too heavy B7 E Buddy for my size, buddy for my size E7 A A7 This nine pound hammer, killed John Henry B7 E But it can't kill me, Lord, it can't kill me E7 A A7 Oh roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow B7 E When the sun goes down you'll roll no more