We Work The Black Seam

Sting's song "We Work The Black Seam" is a poignant reflection on the lives of coal miners and the socio-economic changes that have impacted their communities. The lyrics delve into the deep connection between miners and their work, highlighting the physical and emotional toll it takes on them. The phrase "Our blood has stained the coal" is a powerful metaphor for the sacrifices made by miners, whose labor is integral to the nation's energy supply. Despite their crucial role, they feel undervalued and misunderstood by economic policies that prioritize profit over people.

The song also critiques the promises of nuclear energy, which was touted as a cleaner and cheaper alternative to coal. Sting points out the irony and danger of this shift, noting that while nuclear power was supposed to eliminate the need for grimy, dangerous coal mining, it introduced its own set of problems, such as radioactive waste that remains hazardous for thousands of years. The line "deadly for twelve thousand years is carbon fourteen" underscores the long-term environmental and health risks associated with nuclear energy.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of solidarity among the miners, encapsulated in the recurring line "We work the black seam together." This unity is contrasted with the isolation and alienation they feel from the broader economic and technological changes. The song ends on a somber note, contemplating the future and the legacy left for the next generation. The miners' way of life is deeply ingrained in their identity, and they resist being rendered obsolete by technological advancements and economic theories that fail to account for their humanity.