Hello, My Name Is Coal - Kathy Mattea

I’m from West 'by God' Virginia

And the high Kentucky hills

I’m dirty but I’m honest

I pay a poor man’s bills

I’m prosperity and poverty

I’m a scoundrel and a saint

I’m loved, reviled, misunderstood

I’m hope in a hopeless place

Hello, my name is coal

And around here I’m the king

Some say I’m a savior

Some say death is what I bring

I’ve broke miner’s backs & hearts

And I’ve wrestled for their souls

Let me introduce myself

Hello, my name is coal

Some men call me 'black gold'

You might have heard of me

My body is the mountain

My breath is kerosene

You might think I’m outta date

But if I’m out of style and old

Why do men still dig me

All around the globe?

Hello, my name is coal

And around here I’m the queen

Some say I’m cheap and easy

Oh but they still bow to me

Be careful, I’ll break up your home

And I’ll steal away your soul

It’s dangerous to lust for me

Hello, my name is coal

They curse me now for what I am

But not that long ago

They sang my praises everywhere

Hello, my name is coal