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Steam Drill Blues

from The Ghost of John Henry by Sci-Fi Romance

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  • Receive both full-length Sci-Fi Romance albums - "The Ghost of John Henry," plus "...and surrender my body to the flames" - on physical CD, AND the limited edition, handmade, silk-screened "Ghost of John Henry" poster created by Los Angeles artist Mr. Mike (signed and numbered by the artist), AND a limited edition "Ghost of John Henry" railroad spike, reformed and hand-stamped by Vance Kotrla, along with your digital download.

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  • Full Digital Discography

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lyrics

The morning come
Sun-burnt sky
Swing the hammer
Drive the spike

I got a girl
Left alone
‘Cause I’m too many
Miles from home

Gotta go where that money flows
‘Cause love don’t buy too many clothes
It’s a job that breaks your back and soul
But’s what we do ‘cause it’s what we know

The country grows
We make the way
Our blood and sweat
For a better day

Now they say
We’ll be replaced
Machines are coming
To push us out the way

What to do when that money goes?
‘Cause love don’t buy too many clothes
It’s a job that breaks your back and soul
But’s what we do ‘cause it’s what we know

Before the Lord
I’ll stand proud
No machine
Will beat me down
No, no machine
Will beat me down

Bring that drill
Coal and steam
Bring it ‘round
To hear this hammer ring

Against a wall
A man will fight
I’d beat that drill
Though it take my life

What to do when that money goes?
‘Cause love don’t buy too many clothes
It’s a job that breaks your back and soul
But’s what we do ‘cause it’s what we know

credits

from The Ghost of John Henry, released May 8, 2012
Vance Kotrla: Guitars, vocals
Kurt Bloom: Drums
Jody Stark: Cello

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jaron Luksa at Jaronsound Studios, Burbank, California
Bass by Johnnie Kotrla

Written by Vance Kotrla
Inciting Insurrection Music (ASCAP)

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Sci-Fi Romance Los Angeles, California

Sci-Fi Romance is an independent folk band from Los Angeles that blends unique arrangements and a dark, percussive take on acoustic music into a sound that has been labeled "steamfolk." It began as the solo project of singer/songwriter Vance Kotrla.

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