About the song
“Loretta Lynn’s ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ is a timeless country classic that paints a vivid picture of the humble beginnings of one of country music’s most iconic figures. Written by Loretta Lynn herself, the song was released in 1970 as the title track of her album of the same name.
The autobiographical nature of ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ adds a layer of authenticity to the lyrics, as Lynn recounts her upbringing in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, as the daughter of a coal miner. The song reflects on the hardships and simple joys of life in a coal mining community, capturing the resilience and spirit of the working-class families who called these places home.
Upon its release, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number one position on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and earning Lynn widespread acclaim. The song’s universal themes of family, perseverance, and the power of music resonated with audiences across the country, solidifying Lynn’s status as one of the leading voices in country music.
The success of ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ also inspired Lynn to write her best-selling autobiography of the same name, further cementing her place in music history. The song remains a beloved favorite among fans of country music and continues to be celebrated for its honesty, authenticity, and enduring appeal.”
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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