Big Spike Hammer
Love's Struggle: Big Spike Hammer's Tale
Lyrics
Can’t you hear the whistle of my big spike hammer
Expressing the sound of a large hammer and setting the theme of the song.
Lord it’s busting my side
Indicating physical strain or hardship caused by the demanding work with the hammer.
I’ve done all I can do to keep that woman happy
Describing efforts to make the woman in his life, Della Mae, happy.
Still she’s not satisfied
Despite efforts, Della Mae remains unsatisfied, possibly suggesting relationship challenges.
Hey hey Della Mae
A direct address to Della Mae, questioning her treatment of the speaker.
Why do you treat me this way
Repetition of the question, expressing frustration or confusion about the relationship.
Hey hey Della Mae
Continuation of addressing Della Mae, indicating the emotional impact of her actions.
I’ll get even some day
Asserting a desire for retribution or justice in the future.
I’m the best hammer swinger on this big section gang
Highlighting the speaker's skill as a worker on the section gang, emphasizing self-worth.
Big Bill Johnson is my name
Introducing the speaker as Big Bill Johnson, personalizing the narrative.
Lord this hammer that I swing for a dollar and a half a day
Connecting the hard work with the hammer to supporting the speaker's relationship with Della Mae.
I’ll all for my Della Mae
Affirming dedication to Della Mae despite challenges and hard labor.
Hey hey Della Mae
Repeating the address to Della Mae, emphasizing the emotional impact of her treatment.
Why do you treat me this way
Repetition of the question, expressing continued frustration or confusion in the relationship.
Hey hey Della Mae
Continuing to address Della Mae, conveying the emotional toll of the relationship.
I’ll get even some day
Reiterating the desire for future retribution or resolution.
Now I’ve been lots of places, not much I ain’t done
Reflecting on the speaker's experiences and expressing a longing for more in life.
There’s still alot of things I’d like to see
Highlighting the speaker's adventurous past and the desire for new experiences.
Lord this hammer that I swing or the woman that I love
Drawing a parallel between the demanding hammer work and the challenges in the relationship with Della Mae.
Yes, one’s gonna be the death of me
Suggesting that either the hard work or the relationship might lead to the speaker's downfall.
Hey hey Della Mae
Repeating the address to Della Mae, emphasizing the emotional impact of her treatment.
Why do you treat me this way
Repetition of the question, expressing continued frustration or confusion in the relationship.
Hey hey Della Mae
Continuing to address Della Mae, conveying the emotional toll of the relationship.
I’ll get even some day
Reiterating the desire for future retribution or resolution.
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