(William "Smokey" Robinson)



John Henry was born

At the crack of dawn

His mama named Henry

And a daddy named John

His daddy predicted that

While John was growin'

He would be wild

Like the wind that was blowin'



That morn he was born

Was a hurricane

Thunder and lightning

And pouring rain

He's exciting to see

Like the storm he was born in

He took my heart and soul

Without a warning



So treat me nice

Don't be mean, John Henry

Make the girl's faces green with envy

And I'm gonna give you

All the love that's in me

John Henry, John Henry



Oh, rock of a man

You're thrillin' me

I'll take your hand

So willingly

Ready to go

Wherever you lead me

Long as I know

You'll always need me



Oh, Johnny, you are my hero

Without you my life is a zero

So whether I'm happy or in misery

In your arms is where I have to be now



So treat me nice

Don't be mean, John Henry

Make the girl's faces green with envy

And I'm gonna give you

All the love that's in me

John Henry, John Henry



Henry, you know

You've got me goin'

My love for you

Keeps growing and a growing



Treat me nice

Don't be mean, John Henry

Make the girl's faces green with envy

And I'm gonna give you

All the love that's in me

John Henry, John Henry



Treat me nice

Don't be mean, John Henry