Under the Mountain
Album: Waiting Still
By: Eric Baker
By: Eric Baker
Duration
4:12
Genres
Description
A country-style coal mining song.
Lyrics
“Under the Mountain” Music & Lyrics by Eric J. Baker (2010) Born poor in a mining town; little money, no hope around Dad died when I was two; black lung and too much booze Mama tried to do the best she could; two children and not much food No education and a broken heart; odds against me from the very start CHORUS Under the mountain, it’s cold and damp But it’s the only option for an honest man My sister leads a life of crime; she’s twenty-seven, looks fifty-five Steal your money without regret for OxyContin or Percocet Three children, five, four, and two; feeds ‘em candy bars and Mt. Dew Counts the days ‘til the welfare check to buy her reefer and cigarettes CHORUS Under the mountain, it’s cold and damp But it’s the only option for an honest man I’m diggin’ my grave as I dig their coal I’m losin’ my life, but I’m keepin’ my soul BRIDGE And all I want is some dignity; as I’m slowly dying six days a week Eighteen, my whole life ahead; my only choices lead straight to death Sellin’ pills or workin’ in the mine; forsaken people with forsaken lives I’ve known shame and disgrace; Appalachia is a Hell of a place God rarely comes around; ya get the feeling this is Satan’s ground CHORUS Under the mountain, it’s cold and damp But it’s the only option for an honest man I’m diggin’ my grave as I dig their coal I’m losin’ my life, but I’m keepin’ my soul I’m losin’ my life, but I’m keepin’ my soul