Kentucky Coal Miners Prayer lyrics

Deep in the mountain of Harlan County
Employed by the Cumberland coal company
The pay is short, the days are long
But our labor union laws are coming on strong
So I drink this whiskey for my throat

Wear my hard hat and weathered coat
Early every morning I stand in line
Waiting to work these Kentucky coal mines

We enter the shaft around five thirty
With two dozen hands, cold, callused and dirty
Well dig through a million tons of rock and clay
And well still be digging at the end of the day
Down on our knees we confess our sins
And pray that the roof above dont cave in

So bless our hearts and save or souls
And the air we breathe down in the devils hole
Just last week when the the ceiling fell
The explosion trapped us in the depths of hell

The weight of the earth took poor Tuckers life
Leaving behind a hungry baby and wife
We dug out with our shovels and picks
But soon enough the black lung disease will make us sick

So bless our hearts and save or souls
And the air we breathe down in the devils hole
I work deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky

I know if I leave Harlan alive Ill be more than lucky
Wish I could go to Texas and plant some cottonseed
But moving takes money and Ive got three mouths to feed
So I drink this whiskey for my throat
Wear my hard hat and weathered coat
Early every morning I stand in line
Waiting to work another Kentucky coal mine