Coal

Tyler Childers' song "Coal" paints a vivid and somber picture of the lives of coal miners, particularly those in West Van Lear, Kentucky. The lyrics delve into the harsh realities faced by these men who have sold their lives to the coal mines, working in conditions that are darker than their darkest fears. The song opens with a stark image of men digging deeper into the earth, a metaphor for the relentless and often hopeless pursuit of survival in a town where coal mining is the primary, if not the only, source of livelihood. The woman in the kitchen, living off bread and hope, symbolizes the families left behind, enduring their own form of suffering and deprivation.

The song also touches on religious themes, with references to the gospel and God's creation of light juxtaposed against the darkness of the mines. This contrast highlights the miners' struggle, as they continue to dig until the trumpet of the archangel Gabriel sounds, signifying the end of days. The lyrics suggest a sense of predestination, where the miners are born to dig, and there is little hope for escape or a better life. The line "if you ain't mining for the company, boy, there ain't much in this town" underscores the limited opportunities available, trapping the miners in a cycle of labor and despair.

Childers' poignant lyrics also reflect on the missed opportunities and the advice of those who knew better, warning that coal would ultimately bury them. The imagery of darkness, dungeons, and wells conveys a sense of entrapment and proximity to hell, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of mining. In moments of desperation, the miners cry out to the Lord, only to be reminded of their grim fate. The song serves as a powerful commentary on the sacrifices and struggles of coal miners, capturing the essence of a life spent in the shadows, digging for survival.