When I was a curly headed baby
My daddy sat me down on his knee
He said, "Go to school and learn your letters
Don't you be a dirty coal miner like me"
I was born and raised in the mouth of the Hazard Hollow
Coal cars rumbled past my door
Now they're standin' in a rusty row all empty
And the L & N
Don't stop here anymore
I used to think my daddy was a black man
With script enough to buy the company store
Now he goes town with empty pockets
And his face is white as a February snow
Well I'd never thought I'd learn to love the coal dust
Never thought I'd pray to hear that whistle roar
Oh God, I wish the grass would turn to money
And those greenbacks fill my pockets up once more
Last night I dreamed I went down to the coal yard
To draw my pay like I'd done before
Them kudzu vines are covering all the windows
There were leaves and grass growin' right up through the floor