Many a man bear the scars of laboring to pay a toll
They lie just to exploit our miners and hell bent to export our coal
Come step into our territory and our laws you shall not adhere
They're gaining control through the voting and bribery built on your fear
Lay down the bible and take up the rifle
Our blood runs thick down the banks of the crooked creek
These grass roots have all been tilled for generations next in line
Our heaven will never be filled while death overfloweth the mines
The backs that break under the strain of burdens brought on by their lives
Are put out to fend off the rain oppression that cuts like a knife
Lay down the bible and take up the rifle
Our blood runs thick down the banks of the crooked creek
Let's war
Take up arms for your mother there is nothing to lose
Around the necks the union symbol hangs like a noose
It is autumn on the mountain and a Chafin is to fall
Charged with murderous treason Harding declares martial law
Lay down the bible and take up the rifle
Our blood runs thick down the banks of the crooked creek