If you've never been thru strip mining areas, it's a real shocker. It looks like something you would imagine on Mars or the Moon. I've lived in NE TN all my life, and they have their sites on these mountains for strip-mining. It cannot be reclaimed, and it's said the spirits in the mountains are killed when the mountain is gone. But big money doesn't care about the lives and traditions that have endured here since the 1700s. We're just in the way and don't matter.
my entire family were coal miners in south west va. and a bunch of them still are..i am proud to make the equip. that thease brave men use to mine the coal.. god bless the miners.
I've had generations of coal miners in my family. Hell, they helped fight for the UMWA. They were at bloody Matewan and The Battle of Blair Mountain..and much more. I'm all for keeping the coal industry alive, but I Do Not condone strip mining and neither does my family. Without even going into the damage that it does to the mountains, it employs only a few men for a very short period of time, unlike underground mining.
Interesting that Earle would "find" Townes Van Zandt. Thank you for your dedication and the video. What we (mindless energy guzzlers) owe these men and their families. Next time we go to flip on a light switch, let's think twice, I know I will.
Coming from a family of Coal Miners going back four generations in SW Virginia/NE Tennessee, I can say that they've got the life pegged here. There's no question about how corporate interests destroy the lives of people who just want to live their lives and provide for their families... but hard living breeds solid culture, and we've certainly got it... and that's something no one will ever be able to buy out.
I thank God I never had to do this for a living.My Grandpa did a little coal mining but not for long and only because he had to.These mountains look like my home.I feel every word Steve Earle wrote.I'll die on this mountain.This mountain's my home.
Kind of reminds me of the song "Paradise". I can't say much about what is happening to the environment, as I work in the natural gas industry in Texas, but I know what happens to my family if I don't work.
this is one of the fucking prettiest saddest mother fuckin song...i have ever heard....course ...i been drinkin a couple....but ...its still fuckin sad as shit....man...i cant take this shit........somebody call the doctor....
This song and I think this tribute is intended to be a reminder of the strife, hardship and pain that miners and their families have endured and in many cases have overcome over the years. I am fairly confident it has little to do with our nations need for cheap electricity.
if you can't understand that search a Brooks and Dunn song.
why dont you come down here to West Virginia and say that. this is our livelihood. Aint nobody trying to take away your means of living you pencil pushin fuck. some people, such as yourself dont have the slightest fucking clue. and how old are you? "gtfo you noob"? you 12? boy you got some growing up to do, get of the fucking video games and get out into the real world.-
Pennyreddog you did an awesome job putting this video together, the song depicts it perfectly. And for the people that say this video sucks, should try working in a mine. then they will see what work, struggle really is.
I am not against the men who struggle to support their families, only the big money that destroys the people who sacrificed every thing to put bread on their own tables.
always liked steve earle & del mccoury band-steve's great on mandolin- coal miner's union song(your either for the rich man, or the union going strong)-its a southern/minor thing
Steve Earle is a decent mandolin player, but this is Ronnie McCoury. I expect Steve would admit he can't compete with Ronnie. Steve is on guitar, along with Del.
I am 15, and this is my favourite song in the world right now. Although I am in a post-hardcore metal band, this music is my true soul, thank you ever so much for this upload.
We belong to the land it doesnt belong to us! I love this song from way up in the yukon we can relate! were here even after the mountain has been stripped! and it is all our truth! we all have miners in our families! Thank you!!!!
Steve Earle in my opinion is the greatest american songwriter living or dead. I do have to say though that anyone who loves this song as much as I do should listen to Levon Helm's version of this from his cd DIRT FARMER. The raw emotion in Levons voice is really somewhat haunting.
Glad to see this. Thank you for making it. I'll have to make a video response, too. This is one of my favorite songs, from one of my favorite artists, about one of my favorite subjects.
@pennyreddog Congrats ! Fantastic post. This song, a genuine landmark. The performance imparts a powerful impact on the listener. Steve's vocalisation is awesome; & Del's band of course is superb. 5Star graphics too. Those mountain-folk of Va, WVa, Ky & larger Appalachia have a comparative 'local advantage', when it comes to appreciating this kind of music. However, MANY of us here in Australia also love this kind of music too. This song really reminds me of the movie "Harlan County War".
This song was in a vid that was concert footage LIVE on channel 43 BOHEMIA AFTER DARK here in AZ that included a STEVE EARL interview.More than 1 instrument played near the microphone and it was crisp and clear to the people that sat on the grass viewing it.
This Video Is A Tribute To Grieving Families Every Where All Over The World
I'm Praying For All Of You "Let Jesus Fix Your Heart" I Know It's Broken And Heavy Burdened! He Can Fix It!!! Trust In Him!!! To Get A Copy Of This Song For Your Continued Listening Go To i-tunes Under "Songs Of Hope And Remembrance" In The Video Is A Tribute To The Coal Miners Families
My heart goes uout to all of the family that lost love ones in the mine accident my prayers and thoughts are with each and evry one them. Thanks for posting this I have true love for bluegrass music and mouintain music.
I added this song along time ago to my list,now inthe wake of the last mishape in WVA I found myself saying aprayer once again for the miners myprayers go out to the familys!
To all mining folk from West VA--You should learn about Arthur Scargill and the British Miners--they were reds americans don't like that. Never mind watch the videos of the great strike arthur led in 1984--and forget politics think about courage. What happened is known to them I have been talking to miners all over europe--they know, they care and they will try to help
Thanks - Listening with prayers that there are still men alive at Upper Big Branch Mine. Unfortuntely there are more pictures that could be added here.
@pennyreddog I was just here to hear some good music when I clicked on your video. Only several frames into it I knew I didn't want to see it, the destruction of nature, the greed, the generations of proverty and hosplessness. I also knew I couldn't look away. Your video artistry combined with Earle's plantive sound make us look at what most of us don't want to see. Great job!
There I was, solemn and going along with it, and then the iconic Dorothy Lang picture of migrant workers from the Great Depression made me snicker, it was so random and out of place. Take that out and it's pretty darn well done.
@RevDrDark Not sure, maybe you're talking about a different picture...I saw one of the classic Walker Evans....dust-bowl in the prairies...lady with all these kids....seemed funny to me...but I got the sentiment...
This was beautifully done. The pictures of the slurry and the clear cutting and strip mining break my heart. When I go home to WV (Mineral and Preston Counties) it makes me sick. But I also understand that my people need jobs. It's a lose/lose.
Awesome: very poignant... very soulful... very sad. The strip mining and mountain top blasting is nothing short of rape of our land. As a Naturalist both philosophically and someone who deeply respects Nature, of which we are all a part of (not apart from) Del nails the emotions of this blight... cold.
Beautiful video. Reminds me of why I had to leave eastern Kentucky to seek a livelihood elsewhere (I'm just not cut out to be a miner or a railroader), and how much I miss home.
Mountain Top Removal May not Be Traditional Mining, but its Safer, there have beeb far fewr Fatalities on Surface Mines tha n Deep Mines in the last several years. I am a Big Man 6' and 375#, and there is No way I can work Low Coal.
Strip Mine Coal down Not all have to be Washed ot run through a Prep Plant. it is loaded out on Barges and Trains
and as a Coal Truck Driver I can Say that Surface Mines do Not generally have Belt Lines in which to move the coal from the Mine to the Prep Plant
With respect, Mountaintop removal is not mining. It's basically excavation. In West VA. during the 50's 145,00 miners worked in the mines. Now it's about 16,000, with the same amount of production. I think mining the old way is fine. But it can't be done in Appalachia.
I seriously doubt the lord wanted to see a mountain and a valley into a golf course.
@wickdawg that was the 50's and were in the what?2010'sgo look at a reacaimed job from NOW and just 2 let ya know if theres still MINING its NOT recalmed yet u ppl r SO stupid its realy not funny go work on a strip 4 1 year AND GET BACK with us!
You sir are an idiot. I live beside a "reclaimed" strip job and I can tell you that it's nowhere near what it once was. Fescue grass, briars, and a few honey locust trees don't replace a hardwood forest. My father, grandfather, and great grandfather were all underground miners, but they sure as hell didn't want the mountains they grew up in to be turned into a half ass prairie full of sediment ponds.
Iv worked in the mines for 6 months and have been layed off because of Obama is trying to shut down all of the coal industrys and if that happens then alot of other industrys that rely on coal will shut down and the depression will start again. This song reminds me of what eastern Ky used to be. Brings back alot of memories!
Bush did his best to make the world what you describe, funwelldone. I live and understand where you are coming from, here in the foothills of NEAL (Northeast Alabama.)
I'll be damned what a fine song. Daddy taught me to play the banjo here in Northeast Alabama when I was nine. God bless you West Virginie!
Here's what the yuppies and the rednecks and the posers will never understand. We're part of the land and the music is part of us. Good job Steve E, you were in the presence of giants.
I dont mean to be rude, but I thought you'd find it interesting. The term "redneck" derives from a name put on Virginia coal miner unionists who literally fought a war with the coal companies for better wages and a fair life. (they used to wear red handkerchiefs as a symbol of being Union workers)
A movie to see "Matewan" (1987). A film illustrating the events of a coal mine-workers strike & attempt to unionize in 1920 in Matewan, a small town in the hills of WV. I saw it years ago.
Thank you for the pictures of Larry Gibson, he is a hero for the mountains and the coal communities. I have visited him at his home where he has done all he can to protect the mountains of West Virginia only to be shot at, intimidated, his dog killed, and his buildings burned.
I saw a video that was live of this song and it seemed that there were 4or5 different guitars in this song.One right after the other in front of the microphone on a stage in front of people in a park.Each instrument had a sound that was clear and crisp.
Pennyreddog: Thank you for posting one of my Favorite tunes that Steve sings as well as picking me up when I have a rough day at work. I watch this video and it truly reminds me what a rough day at work is. It picks me up and pushes me to "Carry On" to carry on were other men did as well. Thanks for posting this gem.
Man my heart goes out for them people.. As well as my deepest "Respect" They are good people hard working people. Since I was a little kid and saw a old BW photo in Time Life Magazine in 1973 it captivated me.. The music captured me as well. IT has always drawn me in like no other thing. Strange cause I am latin and from California. Loved the photos and the story behind it. As well as Steve's Singing. Thank you.
incredible song and video, too...reckon some of the "beautiful" people in this country should watch this when they start bitching about not being able to find the new Prada bag...
Princessofhesse: I could not agree with you more!.. I could just spit every time I see Twiggy Hilton prancing around on the news 24-7. Were the media gives them all the press and news. They call that "News" when hard working man like these die people barely pay attention. Down right shame. Its the reason why our country is going down. No value in whats important in life. Its not talked about or taught in our schools. Put some kids in them coal mines and watch their thought on life change.
my friend, you are so right...our values are totally screwed in this country and the term
"hero" is applied in the most ridiculous situations and people, real bravery is minimized or quickly forgotten...how many people still talk about all of the firefighters who died in the Towers? that's why folks like Steve are so important, with their songs and words and actions they help us remember what is important....take care..
I learned who the real hero's were many years ago when I was a kid. What made men real men. What made a hero by seeing the men next to me raise their right hand and take a oath to serve their country. I stand will stand by them till the day I die. Family and Friends and the values that go with it define who a hero is. Thank you Princessofhesse
i just swung by to steal some of your favs cos you always got a good stash cowboy...but im not only pleased to have Earle and the McCoury's (think they're great together, a big player in me getting really into folk n bloograss) im also pmsl at you wanting to chuck kids down mines! i know exactly where your coming from mate, but it sounds so funny! reminds me of the hidden extremist in me. when a rant starts....who knows where it'll end up and who id want to sterilise =D
Nothing but love for my fellow brother on de other side of the ocean! Your very welcome to steal what you want from me. My house is your house my camp fire is yours. Pryromanic78: :)
i was watching a documentary the other night about how the chinese factorys are basically raping the material world with perfect copies etc and how much its destroying that world you speak of, so as the "beautifuls" buy their copies they kill the companies that make them happy. funniest part was\when all these big corporate dudes and politicians etc were asked whos causing the problem, not one said a word. too scared to say china..but then why so scared of china? funny & scary at the same time.
ha!! take that paris hilton and lindsey "rehab" lohan....well, i won't talk about addictions, since i am int he same boat, but i will talk about the greed and avarice that is killing so much that is good about America and its marketplaces. God bless coal miners and Steve Earle for helping us see clearly...
Once again Pyromanic78: You and I see the same thing as we are both not blind to the truths in things. Amen to the fact you can see clearly with your own eyes. Here's to you mate! Cheers and a round of lager for us both!
thing is mate, it becomes hard to see at all when you put down the papers and turn off the tv. both poisonous, that infect me with 28 days later, kinda rage shit, man. but every now n then when i do 'go there' i generaly see what they're saying, reverse it and twist it and its usually more comprehendable and more likely the truth that they twisted n turned in the 1st place. PATTIODADDYO1 has a good channel mate. nope he aint lol, hes now CASHTAWAY.hes my new BBC news at 10! raising 1 to ya rm
Definitely one of the most awesome albums I've ever heard to come out of this country that was made in the last 15 years. I'm still having trouble believing that Steve Earle wrote every song on it, it has to be one of his best albums ever, although I haven't listened to them all. Jerry Douglas is the sickest Dobro player I've ever heard.
cant stop watchin this. watch it countless times a day. think of my family in WNC my uncle died at a young age because of mining hate to see mines it just gets me mad. but hey them mountain folk needed and still need work so what can u do
It killed my daddy and it is killing the mountaineer and our culture. IT is time for renewable energy and different jobs here in West Virginia and in Appalachia.
God, what do ya say to that? I live in deep southwestern pa and we have our own miners... we are all in this together. God bless everyone and hope and pray these disasters are very few and far between. The video is heart-wrenching and the song is a revelation.. Thank you for sharing that with us.....
Steve Earle is the savior of roots music. I wish that folks would play music like this on the radio more. Young people! Listen to old-time music and appriciate it!
Steve Earle is a serious person....and a serious artist. This means, to this unapologetic liberal, that what is wrong with this country belongs entirely to the rich and getting richer.....on the backs of the average, but tirelss, working man.
My life experiences have never had a juncture with this one, but I find this song one of perfection. Everything about it is beautiful and truly moves me.
Del McCoury Band are amazing here!!
MrRazorblade999 2 weeks ago
If you've never been thru strip mining areas, it's a real shocker. It looks like something you would imagine on Mars or the Moon. I've lived in NE TN all my life, and they have their sites on these mountains for strip-mining. It cannot be reclaimed, and it's said the spirits in the mountains are killed when the mountain is gone. But big money doesn't care about the lives and traditions that have endured here since the 1700s. We're just in the way and don't matter.
IreneH55 1 month ago
Amazing Video and Song. God Bless Coal Miners and Appalachia. Where I Call Home.
16dieseldon 1 month ago
Anderson Cooper's pic was very moving
Flatscrugger 1 month ago
my entire family were coal miners in south west va. and a bunch of them still are..i am proud to make the equip. that thease brave men use to mine the coal.. god bless the miners.
Shalai80 2 months ago
A proud people who have been robbed by large corporate interests . Deo Vindici
rimbaud5002 3 months ago
Comment removed
elijah80496 4 months ago
ECV
chillypepper530 4 months ago
I've had generations of coal miners in my family. Hell, they helped fight for the UMWA. They were at bloody Matewan and The Battle of Blair Mountain..and much more. I'm all for keeping the coal industry alive, but I Do Not condone strip mining and neither does my family. Without even going into the damage that it does to the mountains, it employs only a few men for a very short period of time, unlike underground mining.
SarahLynnM 4 months ago 6
Interesting that Earle would "find" Townes Van Zandt. Thank you for your dedication and the video. What we (mindless energy guzzlers) owe these men and their families. Next time we go to flip on a light switch, let's think twice, I know I will.
UChewbANNA 4 months ago
Coming from a family of Coal Miners going back four generations in SW Virginia/NE Tennessee, I can say that they've got the life pegged here. There's no question about how corporate interests destroy the lives of people who just want to live their lives and provide for their families... but hard living breeds solid culture, and we've certainly got it... and that's something no one will ever be able to buy out.
Hearsticles 5 months ago 3
shit makes me fucking cry.....god dammit
freeman2545 6 months ago
i bitch about my life ...how tough it is.....it aint shit compared to these folks....keep these boys safe...lord.........
freeman2545 6 months ago
oh I love steve Earle. just can't beat him..... awesome singer and songwriter!!!
lonestarpenny 6 months ago
I thank God I never had to do this for a living.My Grandpa did a little coal mining but not for long and only because he had to.These mountains look like my home.I feel every word Steve Earle wrote.I'll die on this mountain.This mountain's my home.
lowlifer60 7 months ago
I thank God I never had to do this for a living.My Grandpa did a little coal mining not for long and only because he had to.
lowlifer60 7 months ago
Kind of reminds me of the song "Paradise". I can't say much about what is happening to the environment, as I work in the natural gas industry in Texas, but I know what happens to my family if I don't work.
bradraz 7 months ago 3
Great song and stirring images. The mountains are beautiful.
magnetodan 7 months ago
this is one of the fucking prettiest saddest mother fuckin song...i have ever heard....course ...i been drinkin a couple....but ...its still fuckin sad as shit....man...i cant take this shit........somebody call the doctor....
freeman2545 7 months ago
All said, life is what you know and grow up in......do right, live right and trust in God.
Enjoy that which is in between and do good.
mjlathan 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
my favorite video
ctomlcrlyn 8 months ago
wow
jlbsr1959 8 months ago
This song and I think this tribute is intended to be a reminder of the strife, hardship and pain that miners and their families have endured and in many cases have overcome over the years. I am fairly confident it has little to do with our nations need for cheap electricity.
if you can't understand that search a Brooks and Dunn song.
sidwv 9 months ago
thanks 4 posting this beautiful tribute 2 coal miners - heartfelt
charrmmee 9 months ago
What a great video, and I love this song. Steve really captured his meaning in this one.
isolationblues 10 months ago
mining is rape. you think those mountains like being gutted?
imsuuperduuper 10 months ago
@imsuuperduuper
without mining how you plan on having your electricity you dumb shit. or you one those environmentalist wack jobs?
GreaseGasGlory 10 months ago
@imsuuperduuper
wait, i realize now your from canada. you canadians have no idea over there in la-la land.
GreaseGasGlory 10 months ago
@GreaseGasGlory GTFO u n00b
jellyterrorist 7 months ago
@jellyterrorist
why dont you come down here to West Virginia and say that. this is our livelihood. Aint nobody trying to take away your means of living you pencil pushin fuck. some people, such as yourself dont have the slightest fucking clue. and how old are you? "gtfo you noob"? you 12? boy you got some growing up to do, get of the fucking video games and get out into the real world.-
GreaseGasGlory 7 months ago
Pennyreddog you did an awesome job putting this video together, the song depicts it perfectly. And for the people that say this video sucks, should try working in a mine. then they will see what work, struggle really is.
andrewmunro44 11 months ago
this songs gets ya deep in the gut, even worse its about true events.
bunker2k1 11 months ago
6 peple dont know good music when they hear it
cowboyfromky 11 months ago
I am not against the men who struggle to support their families, only the big money that destroys the people who sacrificed every thing to put bread on their own tables.
mammascallywag 1 year ago 13
what happens to our beautiful has nothing to do with the good Lords way. It is only for money.
mammascallywag 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Beautiful, painful, and true.
mammascallywag 1 year ago
beautiful, painful, and true.
mammascallywag 1 year ago
i just heard this band a few weeks ago gosh there just great i love bluegrass
TheBoxcar9 1 year ago
what a song
jlbsr1959 1 year ago
Yes, Thanks Pennyreddog. The moment I listen to this song, I did not want it to end.
cheezebel 1 year ago
saludos pa los 33 !!
dunsta5 1 year ago
Didn't think it possible but I like this version better than Helms'. Very moving. Thanks so much for posting, penny.
oceanviewva 1 year ago
Comment removed
oceanviewva 1 year ago
always liked steve earle & del mccoury band-steve's great on mandolin- coal miner's union song(your either for the rich man, or the union going strong)-its a southern/minor thing
rainharper62 1 year ago
@rainharper62
Steve Earle is a decent mandolin player, but this is Ronnie McCoury. I expect Steve would admit he can't compete with Ronnie. Steve is on guitar, along with Del.
nilradem 1 year ago
May God rest the souls of those men who do the hard work & may he comfort the hearts of those left behind!!
mkv2006 1 year ago
I am 15, and this is my favourite song in the world right now. Although I am in a post-hardcore metal band, this music is my true soul, thank you ever so much for this upload.
saitensluvchild 1 year ago
Thanks
here is to all those that have struggled and
are struggling...hold on.....
califcamper 1 year ago
God Help the boys in Chilie!!
FLlPFLOP75 1 year ago
I 'm married aminer everyday he walks out the door i never know he will come back. And its takesa strong woman to wait at home .. God Bless Ya'll ..
sagebrushsadie 1 year ago
We belong to the land it doesnt belong to us! I love this song from way up in the yukon we can relate! were here even after the mountain has been stripped! and it is all our truth! we all have miners in our families! Thank you!!!!
yukonbon 1 year ago
Still a good tune.
yippee42 1 year ago
If you like this, find the film Harlan County, USA and watch it!
MrDrewlips 1 year ago
Steve Earle in my opinion is the greatest american songwriter living or dead. I do have to say though that anyone who loves this song as much as I do should listen to Levon Helm's version of this from his cd DIRT FARMER. The raw emotion in Levons voice is really somewhat haunting.
sirfrancisalbert 1 year ago
super super super.....
im4out 1 year ago
Glad to see this. Thank you for making it. I'll have to make a video response, too. This is one of my favorite songs, from one of my favorite artists, about one of my favorite subjects.
unionmaid2 1 year ago
@pennyreddog Congrats ! Fantastic post. This song, a genuine landmark. The performance imparts a powerful impact on the listener. Steve's vocalisation is awesome; & Del's band of course is superb. 5Star graphics too. Those mountain-folk of Va, WVa, Ky & larger Appalachia have a comparative 'local advantage', when it comes to appreciating this kind of music. However, MANY of us here in Australia also love this kind of music too. This song really reminds me of the movie "Harlan County War".
colindominy 1 year ago
This song was in a vid that was concert footage LIVE on channel 43 BOHEMIA AFTER DARK here in AZ that included a STEVE EARL interview.More than 1 instrument played near the microphone and it was crisp and clear to the people that sat on the grass viewing it.
yippee42 1 year ago
I love the Blue Ridge Ive lived here all my life
blueridger28 1 year ago
This Video Is A Tribute To Grieving Families Every Where All Over The World
I'm Praying For All Of You "Let Jesus Fix Your Heart" I Know It's Broken And Heavy Burdened! He Can Fix It!!! Trust In Him!!! To Get A Copy Of This Song For Your Continued Listening Go To i-tunes Under "Songs Of Hope And Remembrance" In The Video Is A Tribute To The Coal Miners Families
bestkeptsecretout 1 year ago
I heard mp3iiiiify is the best site to download songs like this. Google mp3iiiiify.
JeremiahAndrew 1 year ago
My heart goes uout to all of the family that lost love ones in the mine accident my prayers and thoughts are with each and evry one them. Thanks for posting this I have true love for bluegrass music and mouintain music.
LorenzoMoore1000 1 year ago
I added this song along time ago to my list,now inthe wake of the last mishape in WVA I found myself saying aprayer once again for the miners myprayers go out to the familys!
123pawpaw 1 year ago
To all mining folk from West VA--You should learn about Arthur Scargill and the British Miners--they were reds americans don't like that. Never mind watch the videos of the great strike arthur led in 1984--and forget politics think about courage. What happened is known to them I have been talking to miners all over europe--they know, they care and they will try to help
vivascargill 1 year ago
We are ALL MINERS NOW!
Fight the SIN of Monstrous BIG MONEY and CEO THIEVES and MURDERS!
Shrinkadoodle 1 year ago
Thanks - Listening with prayers that there are still men alive at Upper Big Branch Mine. Unfortuntely there are more pictures that could be added here.
darlincommitme 1 year ago
RevDrDark,
I understand your criticism but that image, though it may not be that of a mining family, depicts struggle. That's why I chose that image.
pennyreddog 1 year ago 2
@pennyreddog
moorie2 1 year ago
@pennyreddog I was just here to hear some good music when I clicked on your video. Only several frames into it I knew I didn't want to see it, the destruction of nature, the greed, the generations of proverty and hosplessness. I also knew I couldn't look away. Your video artistry combined with Earle's plantive sound make us look at what most of us don't want to see. Great job!
motherdepressa 1 year ago
There I was, solemn and going along with it, and then the iconic Dorothy Lang picture of migrant workers from the Great Depression made me snicker, it was so random and out of place. Take that out and it's pretty darn well done.
RevDrDark 1 year ago
@RevDrDark Not sure, maybe you're talking about a different picture...I saw one of the classic Walker Evans....dust-bowl in the prairies...lady with all these kids....seemed funny to me...but I got the sentiment...
Theharrytuttle99 1 year ago
Comment removed
RevDrDark 1 year ago
Fantastic. I've always loved the song, and its marriage with the images is perfect.
logue444 1 year ago
Thanks for posting,great song and video
tkrantz55 1 year ago
Great song. Haunting photos. God, I love the working man.
BobisYard 1 year ago
This was beautifully done. The pictures of the slurry and the clear cutting and strip mining break my heart. When I go home to WV (Mineral and Preston Counties) it makes me sick. But I also understand that my people need jobs. It's a lose/lose.
WhitMcMo 2 years ago
Let me clarify that before someone jumps me...sick with grief for my people and state...not sick like ill.
WhitMcMo 2 years ago
Love my Ozark mountains.....
MountainGyspy 2 years ago
Johnny Possum from New Zealand does an even better cover version of this amazing song than Levon's... You can check it out on YouTube.
Tony2581 2 years ago
Awesome: very poignant... very soulful... very sad. The strip mining and mountain top blasting is nothing short of rape of our land. As a Naturalist both philosophically and someone who deeply respects Nature, of which we are all a part of (not apart from) Del nails the emotions of this blight... cold.
NooGods 2 years ago 2
also performed by Levon Helm, Great song!
XxWINxX94 2 years ago
Google-Earthed this area to give me a frame of thought . . . now I'm just dumbfounded. Cheers, Folk.
Wanderlustus 2 years ago
Levon Helm does this also. His version is beyond good.
highwayman012 2 years ago
my buetiful Appalachian mountains had to hear this one again
blueridger28 2 years ago
Born and raised here in the blue ridge mts of north caolina these breaks my heart I love these mountains
blueridger28 2 years ago
Fantastic song and a great example how one song can say so much and reveal so much.
isolationblues 2 years ago 2
Beautiful video. Reminds me of why I had to leave eastern Kentucky to seek a livelihood elsewhere (I'm just not cut out to be a miner or a railroader), and how much I miss home.
Thanks for posting.
froggman1975 2 years ago
good music
torza2 2 years ago
Mountain Top Removal May not Be Traditional Mining, but its Safer, there have beeb far fewr Fatalities on Surface Mines tha n Deep Mines in the last several years. I am a Big Man 6' and 375#, and there is No way I can work Low Coal.
Strip Mine Coal down Not all have to be Washed ot run through a Prep Plant. it is loaded out on Barges and Trains
and as a Coal Truck Driver I can Say that Surface Mines do Not generally have Belt Lines in which to move the coal from the Mine to the Prep Plant
TheCeili 2 years ago
he sang this as an acoustic at The Blue Note in missouri, very cool...he is a master...
NP535overdrive 2 years ago
I'm from Virginia but live Missouri...where's The Blue Note? St. Louis? if so, that's near me...
sunnysunnygirl2005 2 years ago
columbia, ...was a good show
NP535overdrive 2 years ago
funny thing is ..that if those men didnt do that youd aall be trying to figure out how to make candles
4770pete 2 years ago
RichieR4488 (and others)
With respect, Mountaintop removal is not mining. It's basically excavation. In West VA. during the 50's 145,00 miners worked in the mines. Now it's about 16,000, with the same amount of production. I think mining the old way is fine. But it can't be done in Appalachia.
I seriously doubt the lord wanted to see a mountain and a valley into a golf course.
wickdawg 2 years ago 16
cheers to that post brother.Homeward bound to west va. now.
doonfor44 2 years ago
well with respect I worked UNDERGROUND not on a surface mine. I dont support surface mineing!!! Get your facts right.
RichieR4488 2 years ago
@wickdawg it is extraction as is all mining we are extracting what we need in a underground miner and were all extraction workers
birdlee24 1 year ago
@wickdawg that was the 50's and were in the what?2010'sgo look at a reacaimed job from NOW and just 2 let ya know if theres still MINING its NOT recalmed yet u ppl r SO stupid its realy not funny go work on a strip 4 1 year AND GET BACK with us!
codymosley92 1 year ago
@codymosley92
You sir are an idiot. I live beside a "reclaimed" strip job and I can tell you that it's nowhere near what it once was. Fescue grass, briars, and a few honey locust trees don't replace a hardwood forest. My father, grandfather, and great grandfather were all underground miners, but they sure as hell didn't want the mountains they grew up in to be turned into a half ass prairie full of sediment ponds.
Magnuspictor79 11 months ago 13
@Magnuspictor79
Preach it brother!!
MrJDFrog 3 weeks ago
@Magnuspictor79
I agree with you, as does my family. My great grandpa, my grandpa, my dad & my brother.....all proud coal miners.
SarahLynnM 1 week ago
@wickdawg they dont get turned into golf courses
AgentCarter 9 months ago
great music good vid
torza2 2 years ago
I swear that I saw that coal can be burned and be clean at the same time but it's technology in another country.
yippee42 2 years ago
its in the mind of liberals like al gore
shumirules1 2 years ago
Just because he's an idiot don't make him wrong.
kennethstackett 2 years ago
"I saw that coal can be burned and be clean"
Don't believe everything you see- there's some wishful thinking/PR-flackery about co2 sequestration. Almost no thought is given to mercury emissions.
Mountain-top removal is industrial rape & pillage, and it looks like hell even from satellite.
woodscritter 2 years ago
Iv worked in the mines for 6 months and have been layed off because of Obama is trying to shut down all of the coal industrys and if that happens then alot of other industrys that rely on coal will shut down and the depression will start again. This song reminds me of what eastern Ky used to be. Brings back alot of memories!
RichieR4488 2 years ago
Steve Earle is against mountaintop removal.
kennethstackett 2 years ago 3
Thanks for posting
tkrantz55 2 years ago
Bush did his best to make the world what you describe, funwelldone. I live and understand where you are coming from, here in the foothills of NEAL (Northeast Alabama.)
RevDrDark 2 years ago
I'll be damned what a fine song. Daddy taught me to play the banjo here in Northeast Alabama when I was nine. God bless you West Virginie!
Here's what the yuppies and the rednecks and the posers will never understand. We're part of the land and the music is part of us. Good job Steve E, you were in the presence of giants.
RevDrDark 2 years ago
what do you mean the rednecks? by golly im part of the land too! and dam proud of it! me and my dad play the harmonica.
DurhamRebel 2 years ago
I dont mean to be rude, but I thought you'd find it interesting. The term "redneck" derives from a name put on Virginia coal miner unionists who literally fought a war with the coal companies for better wages and a fair life. (they used to wear red handkerchiefs as a symbol of being Union workers)
EthanSurbaugh 2 years ago
Comment removed
funwelldone 2 years ago 8
@funwelldone Do you know about Arthur Scargill?
vivascargill 1 year ago
If i ever heard a more beautiful song i cant remember it.
bahlaal 2 years ago 3
If you would like to see a good movie based on growing up in a coal minning town rent october sky
shumirules1 2 years ago
A movie to see "Matewan" (1987). A film illustrating the events of a coal mine-workers strike & attempt to unionize in 1920 in Matewan, a small town in the hills of WV. I saw it years ago.
Bdasef 2 years ago
Great video
tkrantz55 2 years ago
tx.. nuff said
killerbendi 2 years ago
Thank you for the pictures of Larry Gibson, he is a hero for the mountains and the coal communities. I have visited him at his home where he has done all he can to protect the mountains of West Virginia only to be shot at, intimidated, his dog killed, and his buildings burned.
alevihnc 2 years ago 3
i'll never be the same after watchin HARLAN COUNTY USA.
chellerose99 2 years ago
This is so heavy.. wow.. what a great song, and great pictures. Thanks
hollowbodyguitar 2 years ago
all we have left is hope when we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. pray that someday we shall all carry a lighter load.
theotherkind44 2 years ago
I saw a video that was live of this song and it seemed that there were 4or5 different guitars in this song.One right after the other in front of the microphone on a stage in front of people in a park.Each instrument had a sound that was clear and crisp.
yippee42 2 years ago
Steve Earle is amazing....and by the way I'm from belgium in response to the second comment.
Wershoven2 2 years ago 2
Excellent!!!
wind2thywings 2 years ago
Great, great, great.
Best regards from the Netherlands
JohnDoe0329 2 years ago
i forgot, God Bless the miners who feed their families with the best of intentions
Itruth09 3 years ago
great song greeat montage tragic and beautiful....Wat have we done to this planet ande to ourselves?
Al Gore shut up about carbon save the land you fraud
Itruth09 3 years ago
by the Hell!! This vidéo must be seen by 3,000.000! ok, ok, ok...
spitzmanndm 3 years ago
can anyone put up 'Carrie Brown my darling' (or something like that) from that record please?
Would be killer!!!
notheresooften 3 years ago
Pennyreddog: Thank you for posting one of my Favorite tunes that Steve sings as well as picking me up when I have a rough day at work. I watch this video and it truly reminds me what a rough day at work is. It picks me up and pushes me to "Carry On" to carry on were other men did as well. Thanks for posting this gem.
rmstudio 3 years ago 5
My pleasure rmstudio
pennyreddog 3 years ago
@rmstudio best song i have heard for decades my apologies i have only recently heard it brilliant but sad song love it
l
moorie2 1 year ago
@rmstudio I get uu man...RESPECT
thcthc 1 year ago
@thcthc Thank you and a tip of my hat.
rmstudio 1 year ago
I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.
pennyreddog 3 years ago
doh, you're right he's not in this cause I somehow managed to post on the wrong song, lol had a few on the go at the same time.
Fahamut 3 years ago
Awsome, just awsome...I loved the shot of Townes Van Zandt you threw in there too. Thanks for posting this ...good job
Fahamut 3 years ago
Townes isn't in the video.
pennyreddog 3 years ago
one of his best songs.
tkrantz55 3 years ago
Once in a while, there is a perfect song found, this one of them.
isolationblues 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I thank all of you for your support!
pennyreddog 3 years ago
Man my heart goes out for them people.. As well as my deepest "Respect" They are good people hard working people. Since I was a little kid and saw a old BW photo in Time Life Magazine in 1973 it captivated me.. The music captured me as well. IT has always drawn me in like no other thing. Strange cause I am latin and from California. Loved the photos and the story behind it. As well as Steve's Singing. Thank you.
rmstudio 3 years ago
this is a good song and its says alot .. sadie
sagebrushsadie 3 years ago
This song is amazingly beautful and a great tribute to a great people.
isolationblues 3 years ago
good video
tkrantz55 3 years ago
great song
tkrantz55 3 years ago
somthing i forgot that CSX for Ya COAL COAL
conrailcliff 3 years ago
incredible song and video, too...reckon some of the "beautiful" people in this country should watch this when they start bitching about not being able to find the new Prada bag...
princessofhesse 3 years ago 3
Dream on, lass. Bloody shame, this.
Wanderlustus 3 years ago
Princessofhesse: I could not agree with you more!.. I could just spit every time I see Twiggy Hilton prancing around on the news 24-7. Were the media gives them all the press and news. They call that "News" when hard working man like these die people barely pay attention. Down right shame. Its the reason why our country is going down. No value in whats important in life. Its not talked about or taught in our schools. Put some kids in them coal mines and watch their thought on life change.
rmstudio 3 years ago
my friend, you are so right...our values are totally screwed in this country and the term
"hero" is applied in the most ridiculous situations and people, real bravery is minimized or quickly forgotten...how many people still talk about all of the firefighters who died in the Towers? that's why folks like Steve are so important, with their songs and words and actions they help us remember what is important....take care..
princessofhesse 3 years ago
I learned who the real hero's were many years ago when I was a kid. What made men real men. What made a hero by seeing the men next to me raise their right hand and take a oath to serve their country. I stand will stand by them till the day I die. Family and Friends and the values that go with it define who a hero is. Thank you Princessofhesse
rmstudio 3 years ago
i just swung by to steal some of your favs cos you always got a good stash cowboy...but im not only pleased to have Earle and the McCoury's (think they're great together, a big player in me getting really into folk n bloograss) im also pmsl at you wanting to chuck kids down mines! i know exactly where your coming from mate, but it sounds so funny! reminds me of the hidden extremist in me. when a rant starts....who knows where it'll end up and who id want to sterilise =D
hope all's good mate!
pyromanic78 3 years ago
Nothing but love for my fellow brother on de other side of the ocean! Your very welcome to steal what you want from me. My house is your house my camp fire is yours. Pryromanic78: :)
rmstudio 3 years ago
i was watching a documentary the other night about how the chinese factorys are basically raping the material world with perfect copies etc and how much its destroying that world you speak of, so as the "beautifuls" buy their copies they kill the companies that make them happy. funniest part was\when all these big corporate dudes and politicians etc were asked whos causing the problem, not one said a word. too scared to say china..but then why so scared of china? funny & scary at the same time.
pyromanic78 3 years ago
ha!! take that paris hilton and lindsey "rehab" lohan....well, i won't talk about addictions, since i am int he same boat, but i will talk about the greed and avarice that is killing so much that is good about America and its marketplaces. God bless coal miners and Steve Earle for helping us see clearly...
princessofhesse 3 years ago 2
Once again Pyromanic78: You and I see the same thing as we are both not blind to the truths in things. Amen to the fact you can see clearly with your own eyes. Here's to you mate! Cheers and a round of lager for us both!
rmstudio 3 years ago
thing is mate, it becomes hard to see at all when you put down the papers and turn off the tv. both poisonous, that infect me with 28 days later, kinda rage shit, man. but every now n then when i do 'go there' i generaly see what they're saying, reverse it and twist it and its usually more comprehendable and more likely the truth that they twisted n turned in the 1st place. PATTIODADDYO1 has a good channel mate. nope he aint lol, hes now CASHTAWAY.hes my new BBC news at 10! raising 1 to ya rm
pyromanic78 3 years ago
sent chills up my spine good song
conrailcliff 3 years ago
Its amazing what poor people HAVE to do to live,so the rich can just live.Del rocks I go see him anytime he is in the Carolinas!
easyrider4life 3 years ago
Definitely one of the most awesome albums I've ever heard to come out of this country that was made in the last 15 years. I'm still having trouble believing that Steve Earle wrote every song on it, it has to be one of his best albums ever, although I haven't listened to them all. Jerry Douglas is the sickest Dobro player I've ever heard.
austinitesince1979 3 years ago
saw steve earl and the del mccoury band in louisville back in 99 or 2000,it was great.thanx guys,c`mon back when ya can.
tarzan138 3 years ago
Lucky bugger. Wished I could'a been a fly on yer shoulder.
Wanderlustus 3 years ago
i saw him live a few year's back in the glasgow barrowlands he play'd this ....... one word ....... epic.
jono69wolf 3 years ago
cant stop watchin this. watch it countless times a day. think of my family in WNC my uncle died at a young age because of mining hate to see mines it just gets me mad. but hey them mountain folk needed and still need work so what can u do
donovanwiseman 3 years ago
Sometimes words are too few to say for a song such as this.....
jezx21 3 years ago
COAL KILLS!
It killed my daddy and it is killing the mountaineer and our culture. IT is time for renewable energy and different jobs here in West Virginia and in Appalachia.
hollermommy 3 years ago 4
well done video. my thoughts are for all the families that have lost hard working men.
adamschmalenberger 3 years ago
God, what do ya say to that? I live in deep southwestern pa and we have our own miners... we are all in this together. God bless everyone and hope and pray these disasters are very few and far between. The video is heart-wrenching and the song is a revelation.. Thank you for sharing that with us.....
mysteria31 3 years ago 3
I love it listen to Steve Earl. All of songs have to very meaning to the mean.
F1JaguarFan 3 years ago
Steve Earle is the savior of roots music. I wish that folks would play music like this on the radio more. Young people! Listen to old-time music and appriciate it!
JoonasFinland 3 years ago 4
this is absolute truth...nobody can write em like steve!
sahmbedah 4 years ago
Steve Earle is a serious person....and a serious artist. This means, to this unapologetic liberal, that what is wrong with this country belongs entirely to the rich and getting richer.....on the backs of the average, but tirelss, working man.
dinnerbucket9 4 years ago 6
My life experiences have never had a juncture with this one, but I find this song one of perfection. Everything about it is beautiful and truly moves me.
isolationblues 4 years ago
no one should ever forget the sacrifices that some men and women make here at home without carrying a gun into battle.
rclarked 4 years ago 2