Meaning of "Nine Pound Hammer" by Johnny Cash

The lyrics of "Nine Pound Hammer" by Johnny Cash convey a sense of hardship and longing for escape. The heavy hammer symbolizes the burdens and challenges the narrator faces, possibly related to physical labor or emotional weight. The desire to see their baby on the mountain represents a yearning for connection and love, contrasting with their current difficulties. The mention of going to great lengths for a drink highlights escapism and temporary relief from struggles. The idea of a tombstone made out of coal suggests a connection to the narrator's labor or industry, perhaps finding identity and even death in their work. Overall, the lyrics speak to the universal themes of struggle, longing, and finding solace in simple pleasures despite adversity.