About the song
Jimmy Dean, a versatile country music artist known for his singing, acting, and television hosting skills, penned “Steel Men” as a tribute to the hardworking men of the steel industry. This upbeat and patriotic song, released in 1970, became a hit single and a staple of Dean’s live performances.
With its catchy melody and Dean’s energetic vocals, “Steel Men” offers a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the American spirit. The song’s lyrics highlight the importance of the steel industry and the men who work tirelessly to keep it running. Dean’s patriotic message and upbeat tempo make it a fun and inspiring listen.
The opening lines, “Steel men, strong and true,” immediately establish the song’s subject and set a positive tone. The lyrics continue to reference the hard work and dedication of the steelworkers, highlighting their importance to the American economy and way of life. Dean’s energetic vocals and the song’s driving rhythm create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm.
“Steel Men” is more than just a patriotic anthem; it is a celebration of the American working class. Dean’s heartfelt lyrics and upbeat melody resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of hard work, dedication, and the American spirit. This timeless classic continues to inspire and uplift audiences, serving as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the American people.
Video
Lyrics
Steel men, hey
Working on a bridge of steel
Working on a bridge of steel
Out on the rocky western coast of Vancouver by the sea
At a place that’s known as Second Narrows they were building a bridge of steel
Well, they hammered and they cut and they riveted and the welding torches were bright
Making a strap on a river’s back, went on pourin’ from day till night
Steel men (hey)
Working on a bridge to cross (that water)
Steel men (ho)
Working on a bridge of steel
Well, it happened on the eighteenth day of June back in nineteen-fifty plus eight
People were fishing from the shore, the day was getting late
Now the wind was tugging at the maple trees but a steel man knows no fear
If somebody wanted to bridge the Pacific, well, a steel man would be there
Steel men (hey)
Working on a bridge to cross (that water)
Steel men (ho)
Working on a bridge of steel
Well, all of a sudden, now, the wind picked up and it blew as hard as it could
And that steel bridge swayed like a leaf in the breeze and it snapped like a stick of wood
Now the girders buckled and the rivets broke and the water heard the cry
And that steel bridge shook off the working men like a hounddog shakes off flies
Steel men (hey)
Working on a bridge to cross (that water)
Steel men (ho)
Working on a bridge of steel
Eighteen men just as hard as nails and as eager as a brand-new bride
And as the clock on the tower said a quarter-to-four, all eighteen had died
Steel men (hey)
Working on a bridge to cross (that water)
Steel men (ho)
Working on a bridge of steel
Steel men (hey)
Ain’t going back to a wife and daughter
Steel men (ho)
Living and dying by steel
Living and dying by steel (hey)
Living and dying by steel (hey)