Deep in the mountain of Harlan County

Employed by the Cumberland coal company

The pay is short, the days are long

But our labor union laws are coming on strong

So I drink this whiskey for my throat



Wear my hard hat and weathered coat

Early every morning I stand in line

Waiting to work these Kentucky coal mines



We enter the shaft around five thirty

With two dozen hands, cold, callused and dirty

Well dig through a million tons of rock and clay

And well still be digging at the end of the day

Down on our knees we confess our sins

And pray that the roof above dont cave in



So bless our hearts and save or souls

And the air we breathe down in the devils hole

Just last week when the the ceiling fell

The explosion trapped us in the depths of hell



The weight of the earth took poor Tuckers life

Leaving behind a hungry baby and wife

We dug out with our shovels and picks

But soon enough the black lung disease will make us sick



So bless our hearts and save or souls

And the air we breathe down in the devils hole

I work deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky



I know if I leave Harlan alive Ill be more than lucky

Wish I could go to Texas and plant some cottonseed

But moving takes money and Ive got three mouths to feed

So I drink this whiskey for my throat

Wear my hard hat and weathered coat

Early every morning I stand in line

Waiting to work another Kentucky coal mine