About the song
Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” isn’t merely a country song; it’s a poignant tapestry woven from the threads of memory and resilience. Released in 1970, the song became an instant classic, topping the Billboard country charts and etching its place in musical history.
This introspective ballad delves into Lynn’s childhood in Depression-era Kentucky. Written entirely by her, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of life amidst hardship. She portrays her coal-mining father, her tirelessly devoted mother, and the simple yet fulfilling life they built together. The song resonates with raw honesty, capturing the essence of their struggles – the flickering coal-oil lamp, the calloused hands from endless chores, and the unwavering spirit that kept them going.
The power of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” extends beyond its lyrics. The simple, evocative melody, featuring a steel guitar and fiddle, perfectly complements Lynn’s heartfelt vocals. The absence of elaborate production allows the raw emotion of her story to shine through. It’s a celebration of family, hard work, and the unwavering spirit of those who built their lives from the ground up.
The song’s impact transcended the music charts. It became a cultural touchstone, resonating with audiences who identified with themes of family, perseverance, and staying true to one’s roots. Critics lauded “Coal Miner’s Daughter” for its authenticity and contribution to the genre. Rolling Stone included it on their list of Lynn’s essential songs, and it secured a prestigious position on their ranking of the greatest country songs of all time.
More than just a song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is a legacy. It’s a reminder of the strength found in family bonds and the enduring value of hard work. The song continues to inspire generations of listeners, solidifying Loretta Lynn’s place as a country music icon and a champion for the working class.
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Lyrics
Well, I was borned a coal miner’s daughter
In a cabin, on a hill in Butcher Holler
We were poor but we had love
That’s the one thing that daddy made sure of
He shoveled coal to make a poor man’s dollar
My daddy worked all night in the Van Lear coal mines
All day long in the field a hoin’ corn
Mommy rocked the babies at night
And read the Bible by the coal oil light
And ever’ thing would start all over come break of morn’
Daddy loved and raised eight kids on a miner’s pay
Mommy scrubbed our clothes on a washboard every day
Why, I’ve seen her fingers bleed
To complain, there was no need
She’d smile in mommy’s understanding way
In the summertime we didn’t have shoes to wear
But in the wintertime we’d all get a brand new pair
From a mail order catalog
Money made from selling a hog
Daddy always managed to get the money somewhere
Yeah, I’m proud to be a coal miner’s daughter
I remember well, the well where I drew water
The work we done was hard
At night we’d sleep ’cause we were tired
Never thought of ever leaving Butcher Holler
Well, a lot of things have changed since a way back then
Ah, and it’s so good to be back home again
Not much left but the floors, nothing lives here anymore
‘Cept the memories of a coal miner’s daughter
‘Cept the memories of a coal miner’s daughter