Long Way Around The Mountain

Loading up the cars in the dark and dusty night
Our shift was finally over, as we headed toward the light
We heard the rifles and the shotguns come roaring down the hole
I’lll not be shot down like a dog for your damned old dirty coal


There’s blood running down the highway
They’re shooting men down at the gate
Take the Long Way Around the Mountain
Get away before it’s too late


It’s a sad way to go, filled with pain and strife
When a man can’t make a living without fearing for his life
It’s methane gas or gun thugs, you’re a dead man either way
I don’t mind a-dying but it won’t be today


There’s blood running down the highway
Yellow creek is a-running red
Take the Long Way Around the Mountain
Staying means you’ll end up graveyard dead


All along the ridgeline and down the other side
From Bell County to the Valley with starlight as our guide
And when we reached the river by the widow Baker’s shack
We thanked the Lord above for passage safely back


There’s blood running down the highway
They’re shooting men down at the gate
Take the Long Way Around the Mountain
Get away before it’s too late