About the song
Loretta Lynn, a name synonymous with country music, etched her legacy into the hearts of millions with her poignant and heartfelt ballad, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Released in 1970, this song, penned and performed by Lynn herself, became an instant classic, capturing the essence of her humble beginnings and the struggles of rural America during the Great Depression.
Hailing from Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, Lynn’s childhood was a tapestry woven with the threads of poverty and resilience. Her father, a coal miner, toiled tirelessly in the depths of the earth, while her mother, a homemaker, ensured the family’s survival with unwavering strength. Lynn’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of this simple yet arduous life, filled with the sounds of a washboard, the glow of a coal-oil lamp, and the constant struggle to make ends meet.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Lynn’s raw and honest vocals convey the deep-seated emotions and experiences that shaped her life. The melody, with its bluegrass roots, echoes the traditional music that accompanied her upbringing.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of family, hard work, and perseverance. It resonates with audiences of all ages, reminding us of the importance of our roots and the sacrifices made by those who came before us. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and uplift, a testament to Loretta Lynn’s extraordinary talent and the power of music to connect us all.
Video
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