Pennsylvania Coal

“Pennsylvania Coal”
Written by Irene Kelley/Thomm Jutz
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Crabtree Pennsylvania, a sleepy little town
Everything that kept her going, was lying under ground
My grandpa worked the mine and then he worked the farm
8 hours in the dark 6 hours in the sun
*And everyday hear that whistle blow
To make a better life for someone down the road
And pray one day the ones you love will know
You don’t sell your soul for another load of Pennsylvania coal

My grandma made and sold corn liquor to buy the families’ shoes
For that little so called luxury that’s what she had to do
First generation American and proud
She wouldn’t talk about it but I’m here to tell it now
(*)
**Black lung, unsung heroes every one
Unknown, backbone I’m still leaning on…