Come and listen all of you fellas
So young and so fine
And seek not your fortunes
Way down in the mines
Cause it'll become, become a habit
That's attached to your soul
Til your heart and your blood run
As black as the coal
Cause it's dark as a dungeon
And damp as the dew
Where the danger is doubled
And the pleasures so few
Where the rain never falls
And the sun never shines
Cause it's dark as a dungeon
Way down in the mines
Well, from Kingstown on up to Pikeville
Both black men and white
All miners are mules in the company
In the company's eyes
Where the digging for precious diamonds
Or number nine coal
There is just no escaping
Lord, that life in the hole
Cause it's dark as a dungeon
And damp as the dew
Where the danger is doubled
And the pleasures so few
Where the rain never falls
And the sun never shines
Cause it's dark as a dungeon
Way down in the mines
Well, I hope that when I'm gone
And the ages do roll
That my body will blacken
Yes, and turn into coal
Then I look from the door
Of my heavenly home
And I'll pity that poor miner
Who's been digging my bones
Yes, I'll pity that poor miner
Who's been digging my bones