The L and N Don’t Stop Here Anymore

When I was a curly headed baby
My daddy sat me down upon his knee
He said, “Boy, you go to school and learn your letters
Don’t you be a dirty miner like me”

I was born and raised in the mouth of the Hazard Hollow
Coal cars rambled past my door
Now they’re standin’ in a rusty row all empty
And the L & N
Don’t stop here anymore

I used to think my daddy was a black man
With script enough to buy the company store
Now he goes downtown with empty pockets
And his face is white as a February snow

I was born and raised in the mouth of the Hazard Hollow
Coal cars rambled past my door
Now they’re standin’ in a rusty row all empty
And the L & N
Don’t stop here anymore

Last night I dreamed I went down to the coal yard
To draw my pay like I always did before
But them ol’ kudzu vines were comin’ through the window
And the leaves and grass were growin’ through the floor

I was born and raised in the mouth of the Hazard Hollow
Coal cars rambled past my door
Now they’re standin’ in a rusty row all empty
And the L & N
Don’t stop here anymore