I can't stay here much longer, Melinda

The sun is getting high

I can't help you with your troubles

If you won't help with mine

I gotta get down

I gotta get down

Gotta get down to the mine



You keep me up just one more night

I can't stop here no more

Little Ben clock says quarter to eight

You kept me up till four

I gotta get down

I gotta get down

Or I can't work there no more



Lotta poor man make a five dollar bill

Will keep him happy all the time

Some other fellow's making nothing at all

And you can hear him cry



Can I go, buddy, can I go down

Take your shift at the mine

Gotta get down to the Cumberland mine

That's where I mainly spend my time



Make good money, five dollars a day

If I made any more I might move away



Lotta poor man got the Cumberland Blues

He can't win for losing

Lotta poor man got to walk the line

Just to pay his union dues



I don't know now, I just don't know

If I'm coming back again

I don't know now, I just don't know

If I'm coming back again