About the song
“Coal Miner’s Daughter,” a timeless anthem by American country music legend Loretta Lynn, not only captured the essence of her upbringing but also solidified her place in music history. Released in 1970 as a single and later featured on her album of the same name, the song quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard country chart, marking Lynn’s fourth number one hit.
The genesis of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” lies in Lynn’s own childhood in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression. Born in 1932, Lynn experienced firsthand the hardships and resilience of her family, especially her coal-mining father, whose toil and struggles form the emotional core of the song. Penned entirely by Lynn herself, the lyrics are a poignant reflection of her upbringing, blending personal narrative with universal themes of perseverance and familial love.
Produced by Owen Bradley, a key figure in shaping the Nashville sound, the song was crafted with a blend of instrumentation that included steel guitar, fiddle, and banjo, lending it an authentic bluegrass flavor that resonated deeply with listeners. Lynn’s decision to write the song in a bluegrass style mirrored the music she grew up with, further enhancing its authenticity and emotional impact.
Upon its release, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” garnered widespread acclaim from music critics and audiences alike. Billboard lauded its “true country flavor,” recognizing it as a standout in Lynn’s illustrious career. The song’s success extended beyond country music circles, earning recognition as one of music’s most significant recordings, as acknowledged by polls conducted by Time and the Recording Industry Association of America.
Over the years, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” has been covered by numerous artists, a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural resonance. A notable collaboration featuring Lynn, Sheryl Crow, and Miranda Lambert showcased the song’s timeless relevance and cross-generational appeal.
In terms of chart success, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” reached number one on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and the RPM Country Singles chart in Canada. It also made a notable appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Lynn’s debut on that chart and solidifying her crossover appeal beyond traditional country music audiences.
Critically acclaimed for its autobiographical nature and musical craftsmanship, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” remains a cornerstone of Lynn’s legacy. It has been celebrated for its raw honesty, capturing the essence of Lynn’s roots while resonating with listeners who appreciate its evocative storytelling and heartfelt emotion. As Lynn herself reflected, the song not only encapsulates her upbringing but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to convey personal experiences and connect with audiences on a profound level.
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Lyrics
Well, I was borned a coal miner’s daughter
In a cabin, on a hill in Butcher Holler
We were poor but we had love
That’s the one thing that daddy made sure of
He shoveled coal to make a poor man’s dollar
My daddy worked all night in the Van Lear coal mines
All day long in the field a hoin’ corn
Mommy rocked the babies at night
And read the Bible by the coal oil light
And ever’ thing would start all over come break of morn’
Daddy loved and raised eight kids on a miner’s pay
Mommy scrubbed our clothes on a washboard every day
Why, I’ve seen her fingers bleed
To complain, there was no need
She’d smile in mommy’s understanding way
In the summertime we didn’t have shoes to wear
But in the wintertime we’d all get a brand new pair
From a mail order catalog
Money made from selling a hog
Daddy always managed to get the money somewhere
Yeah, I’m proud to be a coal miner’s daughter
I remember well, the well where I drew water
The work we done was hard
At night we’d sleep ’cause we were tired
Never thought of ever leaving Butcher Holler
Well, a lot of things have changed since a way back then
Ah, and it’s so good to be back home again
Not much left but the floors, nothing lives here anymore
‘Cept the memories of a coal miner’s daughter
‘Cept the memories of a coal miner’s daughter