This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Deep in the mountain of Harlan County
Employed by the Cumberland coal company
The pay is short, the days are long
But our labor union laws are coming on strong
So I drink this whiskey for my throat
Wear my hard hat and weathered coat
Early every morning I stand in line
Waiting to work these Kentucky coal mines
We enter the shaft around five thirty
With two dozen hands, cold, callused and dirty
We’ll dig through a million tons of rock and clay
And we’ll still be digging at the end of the day
Down on our knees we confess our sins
And pray that the roof above don’t cave in
So bless our hearts and save or souls
And the air we breathe down in the devil’s hole
Just last week when the the ceiling fell
The explosion trapped us in the depths of hell
The weight of the earth took poor Tucker’s life
Leaving behind a hungry baby and wife
We dug out with our shovels and picks
But soon enough the black lung disease will make us sick
So bless our hearts and save or souls
And the air we breathe down in the devil’s hole
I work deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky
I know if I leave Harlan alive I’ll be more than lucky
Wish I could go to Texas and plant some cottonseed
But moving takes money and I’ve got three mouths to feed
So I drink this whiskey for my throat
Wear my hard hat and weathered coat
Early every morning I stand in line
Waiting to work another Kentucky coal mine
Employed by the Cumberland coal company
The pay is short, the days are long
But our labor union laws are coming on strong
So I drink this whiskey for my throat
Wear my hard hat and weathered coat
Early every morning I stand in line
Waiting to work these Kentucky coal mines
We enter the shaft around five thirty
With two dozen hands, cold, callused and dirty
We’ll dig through a million tons of rock and clay
And we’ll still be digging at the end of the day
Down on our knees we confess our sins
And pray that the roof above don’t cave in
So bless our hearts and save or souls
And the air we breathe down in the devil’s hole
Just last week when the the ceiling fell
The explosion trapped us in the depths of hell
The weight of the earth took poor Tucker’s life
Leaving behind a hungry baby and wife
We dug out with our shovels and picks
But soon enough the black lung disease will make us sick
So bless our hearts and save or souls
And the air we breathe down in the devil’s hole
I work deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky
I know if I leave Harlan alive I’ll be more than lucky
Wish I could go to Texas and plant some cottonseed
But moving takes money and I’ve got three mouths to feed
So I drink this whiskey for my throat
Wear my hard hat and weathered coat
Early every morning I stand in line
Waiting to work another Kentucky coal mine
Lyrics submitted by VampedVixen
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