This song is based on a story by the Brothers Grimm. It was popularized in a book by Robert Bly in the early 90's. The song is in the Piedmont Blues Style.
I think this song needs to be played on the guitar but I don't believe I have the chops to play it the way it sounds in my head.
Iron John
(I)Did you ever hear the story ‘bout Iron John?
He’s the original wild (I7) man
(IV)He lived in the forest, happy to be all (I) alone
(V)Hair to his feet, skin as hard as (I) stone
(I)The King lusted for land; it was the forest’s turn
Sent in his knights but they never (I7) returned
(IV)He issued a decree “No one should venture in (I) there”
(V) Till a hunter came and took up the (I) dare.
chorus
(I)Iron John, old wild John
Nobody knows where you come (I7) from
(IV) Gotta’ run gotta’ run, they know about your hiding (I) pond
(V) Kingsmen gonna get ya’, run run Iron (I) John
(I)Hunter saw a lake that was covered with fog
Something reached out and took his (I7) dog
(IV) All the hunter saw was an arm that was covered by (I) hair
(V) The next day, he brought the Kings army (I) there
(I)They marched to the pool; arrived at dawns break
Pumped the water and emptied the (I7) lake
(IV) There at the bottom was naked Iron (I) John
(V) He was dragged way with yoke and shackles (I) on
chorus
(I)Iron John, old wild John
Nobody knows where you come (I7) from
(IV) Gotta’ run gotta’ run, they know about your hiding (I) pond
(V) Kingsmen gonna get ya’, run run Iron (I) John
(I)With whip and chains they brought him to town
Spirit broke; his head hanging (I7) down
(IV) They put him in a cage; put him on (I) display
(V) But he tricked the Kings son and he ran (I) away
Instrumental (w speaking)
(I)
(I) Run John Run (I7)
(IV) They’re after you (I)
(V) Don’t look back, just run (I)
chorus
(I)Iron John, wild wild John
Nobody knows where you come (I7) from
(IV) Gotta’ run gotta’ run, you better best be (I) gone
(V) Kingsmen on your trail, run run Iron (I) John
Closing instrumental
(I)
(I) Keep running (I7)
(IV) (I)
(V) Laughing all the way, Iron (I) John
I think this song needs to be played on the guitar but I don't believe I have the chops to play it the way it sounds in my head.
Iron John
(I)Did you ever hear the story ‘bout Iron John?
He’s the original wild (I7) man
(IV)He lived in the forest, happy to be all (I) alone
(V)Hair to his feet, skin as hard as (I) stone
(I)The King lusted for land; it was the forest’s turn
Sent in his knights but they never (I7) returned
(IV)He issued a decree “No one should venture in (I) there”
(V) Till a hunter came and took up the (I) dare.
chorus
(I)Iron John, old wild John
Nobody knows where you come (I7) from
(IV) Gotta’ run gotta’ run, they know about your hiding (I) pond
(V) Kingsmen gonna get ya’, run run Iron (I) John
(I)Hunter saw a lake that was covered with fog
Something reached out and took his (I7) dog
(IV) All the hunter saw was an arm that was covered by (I) hair
(V) The next day, he brought the Kings army (I) there
(I)They marched to the pool; arrived at dawns break
Pumped the water and emptied the (I7) lake
(IV) There at the bottom was naked Iron (I) John
(V) He was dragged way with yoke and shackles (I) on
chorus
(I)Iron John, old wild John
Nobody knows where you come (I7) from
(IV) Gotta’ run gotta’ run, they know about your hiding (I) pond
(V) Kingsmen gonna get ya’, run run Iron (I) John
(I)With whip and chains they brought him to town
Spirit broke; his head hanging (I7) down
(IV) They put him in a cage; put him on (I) display
(V) But he tricked the Kings son and he ran (I) away
Instrumental (w speaking)
(I)
(I) Run John Run (I7)
(IV) They’re after you (I)
(V) Don’t look back, just run (I)
chorus
(I)Iron John, wild wild John
Nobody knows where you come (I7) from
(IV) Gotta’ run gotta’ run, you better best be (I) gone
(V) Kingsmen on your trail, run run Iron (I) John
Closing instrumental
(I)
(I) Keep running (I7)
(IV) (I)
(V) Laughing all the way, Iron (I) John
