I'm from West 'by God' Virginia And the high Kentucky hills I'm dirty but I'm honest I pay a poor man's bills I'm prosperity and poverty I'm a scoundrel and a saint I'm loved, reviled, misunderstood I'm hope in a hopeless place
Hello, my name is coal And around here I'm the king Some say I'm a savior Some say death is what I bring I've broke miner's backs & hearts And I've wrestled for their souls Let me introduce myself Hello, my name is coal
Some men call me 'black gold' You might have heard of me My body is the mountain My breath is kerosene You might think I'm outta date But if I'm out of style and old Why do men still dig me All around the globe?
Hello, my name is coal And around here I'm the queen Some say I'm cheap and easy Oh but they still bow to me Be careful, I'll break up your home And I'll steal away your soul It's dangerous to lust for me Hello, my name is coal
They curse me now for what I am But not that long ago They sang my praises everywhere Hello, my name is coal.