About the song
Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” released in 1970, is a timeless country music classic that has solidified the singer’s reputation as one of the genre’s most influential figures. The song’s poignant lyrics, coupled with Lynn’s heartfelt vocals and the soulful accompaniment of her band, have made it a cultural touchstone.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” is a personal and autobiographical song that tells the story of Lynn’s humble beginnings growing up in a coal-mining family in Kentucky. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of Lynn’s childhood, her struggles, and her eventual rise to fame. The song’s melancholic tone is amplified by Lynn’s emotive delivery, which conveys a sense of both resilience and determination.
Musically, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is a beautifully crafted country ballad that showcases Lynn’s songwriting and vocal abilities. The arrangement is sparse, allowing Lynn’s vocals to take center stage. The song’s simple chord progression and steady tempo create a sense of longing and nostalgia, while the occasional guitar solo adds a touch of emotional release.
Beyond its commercial success, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” has become a cultural touchstone, influencing countless artists and cementing Lynn’s legacy as a pioneer of country music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. As we listen to “Coal Miner’s Daughter” today, we are reminded of the power of music to evoke powerful emotions and the enduring legacy of Loretta Lynn’s artistry.
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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