About the song
“Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is a timeless anthem that embodies the resilience and spirit of the American working class, particularly those in the coal mining communities of Appalachia. Written by Loretta Lynn herself, the song was released in 1970 as the title track of her album of the same name.
The album “Coal Miner’s Daughter” marked a pivotal moment in Lynn’s career, showcasing her autobiographical storytelling and distinctive voice. It achieved widespread acclaim and success, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The song “Coal Miner’s Daughter” itself reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming one of Lynn’s most iconic and beloved songs.
Through her lyrics, Loretta Lynn paints a vivid portrait of her upbringing in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, where she was born into a coal mining family. The song chronicles her humble beginnings, the hardships her family faced, and the values instilled in her by her parents. Lynn’s straightforward and heartfelt delivery resonated deeply with audiences, earning her praise for her ability to capture the essence of working-class life with authenticity and sincerity.
Beyond its commercial success, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” became a cultural touchstone, celebrating the strength and determination of women and the enduring legacy of America’s industrial heartland. It solidified Loretta Lynn’s reputation as a pioneer in country music, paving the way for her to become one of the genre’s most influential and respected figures.
For listeners who appreciate storytelling rooted in personal experience and the rich tapestry of American music, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences of all ages. Loretta Lynn’s portrayal of her upbringing and the values that shaped her life stands as a testament to the power of music to capture the essence of the human experience.”
Video
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