Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean - Tribute to Miners Worldwide

[tyme4mike]

I grew up in an area where mining was, and still is, big. Gold, silver, you name it. I buried too many friends who died in those deep, dark, shitholes. I knew a dozen "Big Bad Johns". "Big" John M. has got to be ONE the biggest and he was 6'7" and weighed 375lbs. Andy from the Sherman Iron Pit was 6'5" and was around 400lbs and Pete G., who died at Macassa, was 6'6", 290lbs. He swung a 12lb sledge with one hand while holding a 1" SIB with the other and could drive it into solid rock.

[SBPlate]

As a guy that broke his back severly in a coal mine accident I'm always moved by this song.

Coal miners are hard people with hearts of gold.

When you're at work those other dirty coal covered bastards they are family.  haha

RIP to the ones all over the world not as lucky as I was. :(

[boggieblack100]

bee safe boys at cobar

[badbrad32311]

My grandfather was a miner he worked till be died he was a hard worker

[dixielanddelight77]

i love this song my daddy was a west virginia coal miner....so rip to all those who have lost their lives in a dark and cold mine

[fartknocker31]

YES! AWESOME! Miners never get the respect they deserve. It's a hell of a dangerous job, not to mention the inherent health hazards. It's time the governments and peoples of the world started supporting these hard workers that put themselves in harms way to earn a meager living everyday!

[CaptainCoal1]

my grandpa john 30 years in the mines i think of him when i think iam having a bad day then i realize just how good i have it  hats off to miners true grit

[va2gin]

Ever hear the second song? where is queen comes and digs him out of the mined done by Jimmy Dean kind of a spoof of this one.

[valvebounce25]

Always loved this song, but as sometimes happens forgot about it over the years found a version on here by The Charlie Daniels Band, Not Good! Imediately searched for the original and found it here, excelent, brought a tear to this hard mans eye from the words and from the memories it triggered. Thanks to whoever posted it, and Thanks to Miners everywhere.

[delbard1]

Jimmy Dean wrote the song

[seekshisface]

this is jimmy not johnny.

[Kharkovkid]

Killing Nanty-Glo softly with his song...

[HRHshirley]

The church bells rang 29 times,

So we knew it was final and the end of the line.

Now 29 miners are at heaven's gate,

With coal silt dirty faces asking, "Is it too late?"

And God replies with half a grin

"No, my children, come on in!"

They placed their mining lights gently on heaven's floor

And God said "Job well done. Leave your boots at door"

RIP 29 miners Pike River, NZ

[good4GLINDA]

Thanks! I love this song..I fell in love with it when I was small and it reminds me of my Pop-Pop John who was an Atlantic City Electric Lineman. He's gone now from creosote (cancer) but when I was little I thought this was his song. Thanks so much for posting. The pictures here are great as well.

[savagechevyman]

Then there miners where tough old guys them and i respect that

good ole boys to

AMEN GOD BLESS all miners.

[bigbam2wwf]

this song was not by johnny cash it was by jimmy dean johnny may of sang it but he did not write it

[TheWiseTyronian]

I remember when I first heard this song. My father and I where out in the shop fixing our 8430 Four wheel drive John Deere tractor and I suggested that we nickname that tractor "Big John" after the hero of this song. Dad liked the idea and the nickname stuck. We already had a 4240 John Deere that was nicknamed "Johny" any way. I was only 9 years old then.

[jakerandall123]

Having been down in the mine, you can realte to this song. 900 feet below and no place to go. R.I.P> Jimmy Dean the common man's spokeman.

[ezar4442]

what a song! What a tribute to miners now and in the past pray for all!

[borncountryful]

John may have been big but he was the best among the best!! Thanks

[TheSparkle7]

is this a true story?

[2UISEE]

To The Minors that are trapped today..God Speed!

[Kharkovkid]

You did Nanty-Glo proud on this mister...

[Cartmanisfat630]

rip all to the miners that have lost their lives

[796colin]

thats an awesome song

[suncanada]

It is great song and ...

really great tribute to all miners.

In this great world; Whether they be Politicians, Ministers or Administrator or Executives nobody wants to think of miners. Safety procedures not in place or quite inadequate. Nobody bothers. Most people want to think of fortune 500 or 100 in the world list.

I think of Jimmy Dean as great person (in 1960s), his heart went for the miners who lost their lives.

My heart goes to the miners and Jimmy both.

[boggieblack100]

@suncanada i no what goes on the mines becouse i worked the mines for 5 years and it not that good down there u can here the ground cracking and its not good. so this is a really good song to the miners.

SO BE SAFE BOYS!!!