While the "Cumberland" in this song means that it is probably about mining in Appalachia, it doesn’t stop the song from representing miners in just about any location and any time. The basic problems have plagued most laborers operating outside of actual slavery/serfdom. I’m actually reading Emile Zola’s Germinal right now. It is about 18th century coal mine workers in France. The really funny thing is that besides working hard in the mines for little money, the other thing the miners mainly do is have sex. Things are pretty much the same everywhere!
While the "Cumberland" in this song means that it is probably about mining in Appalachia, it doesn’t stop the song from representing miners in just about any location and any time. The basic problems have plagued most laborers operating outside of actual slavery/serfdom. I’m actually reading Emile Zola’s Germinal right now. It is about 18th century coal mine workers in France. The really funny thing is that besides working hard in the mines for little money, the other thing the miners mainly do is have sex. Things are pretty much the same everywhere!