(Jean Ritchie)



When I was a curly headed baby

My daddy sat me down on his knee


He said, "son, go to school and get your letters,


Don't you be a dusty coal miner, boy, like me."



[Chorus:]

I was born and raised at the mouth of hazard hollow


The coal cars rolled and rumbled past my door


But now they stand in a rusty row all empty

Because the l & n don't stop here anymore



I used to think my daddy was a black man


With script enough to buy the company store


But now he goes to town with empty pockets

And his face is white as a February snow



[Chorus]



I never thought I'd learn to love the coal dust


I never thought I'd pray to hear that whistle roar


Oh, god, I wish the grass would turn to money

And those green backs would fill my pockets once more



[Chorus]



Last night I dreamed I went down to the office


To get my pay like a had done before


But them ol' kudzu vines were coverin' the door

And there were leaves and grass growin' right up through the floor



[Chorus]