Coal Minin' Man
Ricky Skaggs · Ancient Tones [Skaggs Family] [1999]
(Jim Mills)
Daylight or dark, in rain or shine
It don't much matter down in the mine
Where the tunnel's deep, Lord the air gets thin
That's the way of life for the minin' man.
His lungs are weak. his back is gone
His sixty years are plainly shown
Lived half his life down in the ground
A cold steel hammer rings a mournful sound.
Daylight or dark, in rain or shine
It don't much matter down in the mine
Where the tunnel's deep, Lord the air gets thin
That's the way of life for the minin' man.
--- Instrumental ---
I'll tell you, son he said to me
There's just two things I pray to see
That the day my Savior calls me home
And to see my son stop minin' coal.
Oh, daddy dear I'll tell you true
There's nothing elsr for me to do
But to make my livin' underneath this land
And live and die a coal minin' man.
Daylight or dark, in rain or shine
It don't much matter down in the mine
Where the tunnel's deep, Lord the air gets thin
That's the way of life for the minin' man.
I'll make my livin' underneath this land
And die like you a coal minin' man...
Daylight or dark, in rain or shine
It don't much matter down in the mine
Where the tunnel's deep, Lord the air gets thin
That's the way of life for the minin' man.
His lungs are weak. his back is gone
His sixty years are plainly shown
Lived half his life down in the ground
A cold steel hammer rings a mournful sound.
Daylight or dark, in rain or shine
It don't much matter down in the mine
Where the tunnel's deep, Lord the air gets thin
That's the way of life for the minin' man.
--- Instrumental ---
I'll tell you, son he said to me
There's just two things I pray to see
That the day my Savior calls me home
And to see my son stop minin' coal.
Oh, daddy dear I'll tell you true
There's nothing elsr for me to do
But to make my livin' underneath this land
And live and die a coal minin' man.
Daylight or dark, in rain or shine
It don't much matter down in the mine
Where the tunnel's deep, Lord the air gets thin
That's the way of life for the minin' man.
I'll make my livin' underneath this land
And die like you a coal minin' man...
Coal Minin' Man
Ricky Skaggs delivers a soulful country ballad on 'Coal Minin' Man,' recorded for the 1999 album Ancient Tones. The track showcases his signature blend of bluegrass instrumentation and smooth vocal delivery, characteristic of his work in the traditional country genre. As part of his extensive discography, the song reflects the enduring appeal of storytelling through music, capturing the emotional resonance of rural life. Skaggs' ability to harmonize with his band while maintaining a clear, heartfelt vocal presence defines this recording. The song stands as a testament to his career, which has spanned decades and earned him numerous accolades for his contributions to American country music.