The mood of “John Henry” is the main trait that identifies it as a work song: the hero is a railroad-builder trying to outperform a steam-powered drill with his hammer.
However, the song can also be identified as a ballad because of its pentatonic melody and strophic form, and it is performed in the storytelling style. The song has become a symbol of dignity and strength, sending a social message encouraging labor workers not to falter before industrialization.
References
Academic.Tips. (2023) '“John Henry,” recorded by Alan Lomax in 1959, is both a work song and a ballad. A. What traits identify this as a work song? B. What traits identify this as a ballad? C. What is the political and social message in this Labor Song'. 15 May.
Reference
Academic.Tips. (2023, May 15). “John Henry,” recorded by Alan Lomax in 1959, is both a work song and a ballad. A. What traits identify this as a work song? B. What traits identify this as a ballad? C. What is the political and social message in this Labor Song? https://academic.tips/question/john-henry-recorded-by-alan-lomax-in-1959-is-both-work-song-and-ballad-a-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-work-song-b-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-ballad-c-what-is-the-politi/
References
Academic.Tips. 2023. "“John Henry,” recorded by Alan Lomax in 1959, is both a work song and a ballad. A. What traits identify this as a work song? B. What traits identify this as a ballad? C. What is the political and social message in this Labor Song?" May 15, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/john-henry-recorded-by-alan-lomax-in-1959-is-both-work-song-and-ballad-a-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-work-song-b-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-ballad-c-what-is-the-politi/.
1. Academic.Tips. "“John Henry,” recorded by Alan Lomax in 1959, is both a work song and a ballad. A. What traits identify this as a work song? B. What traits identify this as a ballad? C. What is the political and social message in this Labor Song?" May 15, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/john-henry-recorded-by-alan-lomax-in-1959-is-both-work-song-and-ballad-a-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-work-song-b-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-ballad-c-what-is-the-politi/.
Bibliography
Academic.Tips. "“John Henry,” recorded by Alan Lomax in 1959, is both a work song and a ballad. A. What traits identify this as a work song? B. What traits identify this as a ballad? C. What is the political and social message in this Labor Song?" May 15, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/john-henry-recorded-by-alan-lomax-in-1959-is-both-work-song-and-ballad-a-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-work-song-b-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-ballad-c-what-is-the-politi/.
Work Cited
"“John Henry,” recorded by Alan Lomax in 1959, is both a work song and a ballad. A. What traits identify this as a work song? B. What traits identify this as a ballad? C. What is the political and social message in this Labor Song?" Academic.Tips, 15 May 2023, academic.tips/question/john-henry-recorded-by-alan-lomax-in-1959-is-both-work-song-and-ballad-a-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-work-song-b-what-traits-identify-this-as-a-ballad-c-what-is-the-politi/.