About the song
Let’s delve into the timeless classic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by the legendary Loretta Lynn.
Penned by Loretta Lynn herself, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is not only a song but also the title track of her autobiographical album released in 1970. The song narrates Lynn’s humble beginnings growing up in a coal mining community in Kentucky, painting a vivid picture of her childhood and family life.
With its simple yet poignant lyrics and heartfelt melody, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” resonated deeply with audiences, earning widespread acclaim and becoming one of Loretta Lynn’s signature songs.
Upon its release, the song climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It also crossed over to the pop charts, demonstrating its universal appeal and cementing Loretta Lynn’s status as a country music icon.
The album “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was equally successful, receiving critical praise and earning Lynn the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Country Album.
Through “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Loretta Lynn not only shares her personal story but also pays homage to the hardworking individuals and close-knit communities of Appalachia. Her raw, authentic storytelling and powerful vocals continue to captivate audiences, making “Coal Miner’s Daughter” a timeless classic that remains relevant to this day.
As we listen to this iconic song, we’re transported to a bygone era, where the values of family, perseverance, and resilience shine through. Loretta Lynn’s legacy as a trailblazing artist and storyteller is firmly etched in the annals of country music history, and “Coal Miner’s Daughter” stands as a testament to her enduring influence and talent.
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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