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Blue Diamond Mines

from Coal by Kathy Mattea

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about

Written by Jean Ritchie

lyrics

I REMEMBER THE WAYS IN THE BYGONE DAYS
WHEN WE WERE IN OUR PRIME
HOW US AND JOHN L. GIVE THE OLD MAN HELL
DOWN IN THE BLUE DIAMOND MINE

WELL THE WHISTLE BLOWED AND THE ROOSTER CROWED
TWO HOURS BEFORE DAYLIGHT
WHEN A MAN DONE HIS BEST AND HE EARNED HIS GOOD REST
MADE SEVENTEEN DOLLARS AT NIGHT

[Chorus]
IN THE MINES IN THE MINES
IN THE BLUE DIAMOND MINES
I WORKED MY LIFE AWAY
IN THE MINES IN THE MINES
IN THE BLUE DIAMOND MINES
OH FALL ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY.

YOU OLD BLACK GOLD YOU'VE TAKEN MY LUNGS
AND YOUR DUST HAS DARKENED MY HOME
AND NOW THAT WE'RE OLD YOU'RE TURNING YOUR BACK
WHERE ELSE CAN AN OLD MINER GO

WELL IT'S ALGOMA BLOCK AND BIG LEATHERWOOD
AND NOW ITS BLUE DIAMOND TOO
WELL THE PITS ARE ALL CLOSED AND IT'S GET ANOTHER JOB
WHAT ELSE CAN AN OLD MINER DO?

[Chorus]

JOHN L. HAD A DREAM BUT IT'S BROKEN IT SEEMS
MINING HAS HAD IT'S DAY
BUT THEY'RE STRIPPING OFF MY MOUNTAIN TOP
AND THEY PAY ME EIGHT DOLLARS A DAY

YOU MIGHT GET A LITTLE POKE OF WELFARE MEAL
A LITTLE POKE OF WELFARE FLOUR
BUT I TELL YOU RIGHT NOW YOU WON'T QUALIFY
'TILL YOU WORK FOR A QUARTER AN HOUR

[Chorus]

credits

from Coal, released April 1, 2008

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all rights reserved

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Kathy Mattea Nashville, Tennessee

Twice named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Country Music Association, Kathy Mattea is among the most successful women in the genre’s history, yet her creative spirit has led her to explore musical territory well beyond its confines. Her recent recordings have intertwined Celtic, gospel, and bluegrass influences with the folk and acoustic music that have served as her artistic anchor. ... more

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