Waking up early going back down
Black coffee black lung underground
This much money ain't even worth countin' hand to mouth this side of the mountain
The creek used to run clear across the tracks till Peabody came and it all turned black
The diamonds we digging don't sparkle or shine wastin' away in a rich mans mine

West Virginia Kentucky gold
Feed your family sell your soul
Dying young never growing old
For that West Virginia Kentucky gold

Wake up every morning, kiss my kids good by and whisper to my beautiful wife
If today's the day that I should go don't leave me down in that damn hole
Don't leave me down in that damn hole
When it all caves in when the walls won't hold