Additional Notes:

No Notes Available

Backstory:

I saw a program on the television that spoke of the hardships of Clay County Kentucky and all of the coalmining communities. I was moved to write about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbq_0jumgCI

It has gotten good response from people who live in the area and also with audiences, in Florida. I want to honor the strength of these people. 

Lyrics:

                                                  
Oh, Appalachia 

Daddy's up at 4 am 
Takes Ma to work ten miles away 
Praying his pickup will run a few more years 
Wondering if Goose Rock mine will take his life today 

Not much left ‘cept churches and mines 
America's strongest live round here 
Poverty and the man hold us back in time 
And Clay county’s dirt’s been muddied by our children's tears 

Chorus 
Appalachia, oh Appalachia 
this country’s seen troubles and trials 
Appalachia, Oh Appalachia 
Love grows 'round these long, winding miles 

Grandma played harp years ago 
lost our troubles in mountain songs 
Sister and brother danced with no shoes on, 
and we'd sing with a smile "My Old Kentucky Home”
 
Chorus 

Bridge 
the unbridled spirit of Kentucky 
holding us together in our hills 
you can see it in our faith and courage 
you can see it in the beauty of our quilts 


Chorus

Musical Break 

Repeat Chorus