About the song
Loretta Lynn, a true icon of country music, delivered an unforgettable performance of her signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” on The Ed Sullivan Show. This appearance was a pivotal moment in Lynn’s career, showcasing her powerful voice and poignant storytelling to a wide audience.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter,” written by Lynn herself, is an autobiographical song that tells the story of her humble beginnings in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky. Born into a family of eight children, Loretta Lynn grew up in a small cabin without electricity or running water. Her father worked tirelessly in the coal mines to support his family, a life that Lynn vividly portrays in her lyrics. The song captures the hardships and joys of her early years, painting a picture of resilience and family love.
Released in 1970, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” became one of Lynn’s most beloved songs, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song’s success was a testament to Lynn’s ability to connect with listeners through her heartfelt and relatable lyrics. Her performance on The Ed Sullivan Show brought this deeply personal song to an even larger audience, cementing her status as a leading figure in country music.
During her performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, Lynn’s authenticity and charm were on full display. She sang with a raw emotion that resonated with viewers, many of whom could relate to her story of perseverance and hard work. Lynn’s clear, strong voice and her simple yet powerful stage presence made for a memorable performance that left a lasting impression.
The Ed Sullivan Show was a prestigious platform, known for featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment. Loretta Lynn’s appearance on the show not only highlighted her talent but also brought country music to a broader audience. It was a significant moment in her career and in the history of country music, as it showcased the genre’s storytelling tradition and its ability to speak to the human experience.
Lynn’s performance of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” remains a defining moment in her illustrious career. The song has since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and inspired a biographical film of the same name, which further immortalized Lynn’s remarkable life story.
For older and educated audiences, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” on The Ed Sullivan Show is a reminder of the power of music to tell our most personal stories and connect us across generations. Loretta Lynn’s heartfelt performance continues to resonate, celebrating the strength and spirit of those who come from humble beginnings and achieve greatness through talent, determination, and authenticity.
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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