The song is talking about a coal mine shutting down and the fear and uncertainty of the miners and their families. Many of these families have worked these mines for generations and don't know any other life. Whole towns are built around mines and are very close knit comunities. So you could imagine the shock of everyone getting laid off. I think the father feels a little bit of relief when he talks about his sons not having to to go down the mines and be away from their families anymore. Great song, makes me think of the 29 that just died in WV in that mine explosion.
The song is talking about a coal mine shutting down and the fear and uncertainty of the miners and their families. Many of these families have worked these mines for generations and don't know any other life. Whole towns are built around mines and are very close knit comunities. So you could imagine the shock of everyone getting laid off. I think the father feels a little bit of relief when he talks about his sons not having to to go down the mines and be away from their families anymore. Great song, makes me think of the 29 that just died in WV in that mine explosion.