Silicosis, silicosis you made a mess of me
You robbed me of my youth and health
All you brought for me was grief
Silicosis, silicosis
You're a robber and a thief
You robbed me of my right to live
All you brought for me was grief
I was there digging that tunnel
For dollars a day
I was there digging that tunnel
For dollars a day
Didn't know that I was digging
My own grave
All the time silicosis eating my life away
Tunica, Mississippi
You made a mess of me
I gambled my life's savings
Trying to find a better way
And I've traveled over this country
With no insurance to make me well
This sweet land of liberty
No escape from this dying hell
Oh Mama, Oh Mama,
Come cool my fevered head
Oh Mama, Oh Mama,
Come cool my fevered head
Oh Mama, Oh Mama,
Come cool my fevered head
I'm gonna meet my Jesus
God knows I'll soon be dead