I love this song. I just did a presentation in school about it (as a poetic song), so that gave me a chance to think about it A LOT.
First off, I agree with the coal mining accident explanation , but I've just got even more metaphors (etc.) to point out:
I interpret the second verse as talking about World War One and the Great Depression that followed:
"They said they would never fight no more"
WWI was the 'War To End All Wars'
"After the day she went away"
Also, the war was one of the leading causes of the Great Depression in the 20's and 30's. So this is talking about unavailability of coal for many people, due to the inflated cost. You could also see it as talking about lack of resources in general, and how that is often the cause of war.
"What in the world are we all fighting for
If we don't give they're going to take"
Essential anti-war line! This can be talking further about lack of resources, possibly a jab at the current war in Iraq.
Keeping with the theme of the mining accident, it could be saying something like: 'why are we arguing about weather there are people alive in the mine; we just need to hope there are and work together to get them out!' Or something.
I love this song. I just did a presentation in school about it (as a poetic song), so that gave me a chance to think about it A LOT.
First off, I agree with the coal mining accident explanation , but I've just got even more metaphors (etc.) to point out:
I interpret the second verse as talking about World War One and the Great Depression that followed:
"They said they would never fight no more"
"After the day she went away"
"What in the world are we all fighting for If we don't give they're going to take"
Keeping with the theme of the mining accident, it could be saying something like: 'why are we arguing about weather there are people alive in the mine; we just need to hope there are and work together to get them out!' Or something.
Anyway, that's my (additional) two cents.