In 1923, at the peak, there were over 800,000 coal miners in America.
Today there are 50,000.
Nevertheless, their jobs remain some of the most difficult, dangerous and risky in the entire US economy.
Tyler Childers, 28, a folk music singer and guitar player from eastern Kentucky, tells these folks’ stories eloquently in his music. What follows is a Childers song interspersed with my analysis.
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“Hard Times” by Tyler Childers
Lyric 1: I bought a house at the mouth of the holler [valley]
A ring at the pawn shop and a crib for the kid
My Interpretation: A young man, maybe 30, much like Childers, finally realizes his dream and buys a house for himself, his young bride, and his baby son. The extent to which he is economically marginalized is revealed by the fact that he buys his wife’s wedding ring at a pawn shop, which, while not necessarily the typical American dream, is probably more common than we’d like to admit.
Lyric 2: I heard some word there was work up in Hindman [Kentucky]
I’m going tomorrow and hope that there is
My Interpretation: So our striving protagonist heard there was work in northeast Kentucky, and he’s headed there to try his luck out at eking out a living off the land. It’s hard country, Appalachia, and the work is tough. There are no free rides in the hills of eastern Kentucky.
Lyric 3: My sweat and my wages, they don’t seem to weigh out
I’m getting more aches than I’m gainin’ in gold
My interpretation: Our man in Kentucky is now getting fed up with all this bs. He’s working harder than he ever has before, and all he feels is the pain of new aches and cramps. So he’s getting a raw deal.
Lyric 4: Who ever said you could raise you a family
Just a’ working your ass off knee deep in coal?
My take: Now he’s pissed! He’s really pissed! I think some class consciousness has finally seeped into his mind, and he’s ready to rumble. Let’s see what happens next.
Lyric 5: Well the sign at the church says I’ll reap what I’m sowin
But I ain’t lost sleep because it’ll come in due time
My take: I don’t know about you, but it sounds like our bro here is contemplating some dark stuff, like really dark. I hope he finds himself before he crosses the rubicon and explodes the universe.
Lyric 6 : If the Lord wants to take me I’m here for the taking
‘Cause hell’s probably better than tryin’ to get by
My take: Wow! The brother has totally lost it! He’s unhinged. Is he really saying he’s ready for the Lord to “take him?” That’s heavy stuff. I pray he finds his soul, and some relief, deep down in his core.
Lyric 7: You can see me on the front page
It’ll be out tomorrow
A boy in his 20’s
Shot down in his prime
My take: Jesus f-ing Christ. You’re what, 25, 27? Why would you go and put yourself in a situation that could potentially lead to your death? Was coal mining that ardous?
Lyric 8: For trying to hold up the Texaco Station
They’ll say I was desperate
They’re probably right
My take: Wait, what? Like WTF? Why, why, why would you do this, coal mining man? I picture you lying flat on your back in front of the rear gas pump, blood coursing from your neck, as you slowly bleed to death awaiting medical attention.
It’s awful. Just awful. You didn’t deserve this. And neither do the 50,000 American coal miners still trying to earn a living in the mines. They deserve our help and support. We don’t want to turn them into outlaws. They are our brothers and sisters. Let’s treat them that way.
