He's just an old coal miner, Lord
That's all he's ever been
He's worked his life away in mines
With all the other men
So keep him safe and be with him
When he goes in that mine
And also help him stay away
From the unemployment line
Stay by his side in all he does
He's a-getting tired, you know
His hair is changing color fast
And his age has began to show
I know some day he'll leave this earth
And I will stay behind
But when he leaves, I hope it's not
Caused by that old coal mine
I want the very best for him
I don't want him to be sad
Because, dear Lord, I think you know
This coal miner is my dad