About the song
Loretta Lynn, a name synonymous with country music, etched her place in the annals of American music with her 1971 album, *Coal Miner’s Daughter*. This album, a deeply personal reflection of her life and experiences, became a cultural touchstone, resonating with audiences far beyond the country music genre.
Born Loretta Webb in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, Lynn’s upbringing was marked by poverty and hardship. Her father, a coal miner, worked tirelessly to provide for his family, while her mother, a resilient woman, instilled in Lynn a strong work ethic and an unwavering spirit. These early experiences would shape Lynn’s music, imbuing it with a raw authenticity and a deep understanding of the human condition.
*Coal Miner’s Daughter* is a collection of songs that paint a vivid portrait of Lynn’s life. From the title track, a heartfelt tribute to her father and his arduous labor, to the poignant “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (Tonight),” a plea for her husband to stay sober, each song offers a glimpse into Lynn’s personal struggles and triumphs.
Lynn’s distinctive voice, a blend of grit and tenderness, perfectly captures the emotional depth of her songs. Her lyrics, often written in collaboration with her husband, Oliver “Mooney” Lynn, are both relatable and evocative, painting vivid imagery of rural life and the challenges faced by working-class Americans.
*Coal Miner’s Daughter* was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Lynn’s status as a country music icon. The album’s impact extended far beyond the music industry, inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams and challenge societal expectations. Lynn’s story, told through her music, became a symbol of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.
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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