Hazard, Kentucky lyrics

Song information

Artist: Phil Ochs
Album: The Broadside Tapes 1

Lyrics

Well, some people think that unions are too strong
Union leaders should go back where they belong;
But I wish that they could see a little more of poverty
And they might start to sing a different song

Well, minin' is a hazard in hazard, kentucky
And if you ain't minin' there
Well, my friends, you're awful lucky
'Cause if you don't get silicosis or pay that's just atrocious
You'll be screamin' for a union that will care

Well, let's look at old kentucky for a while
It's hard to find a miner who will smile
Well, the constitution's fine, but it's hard reading in the mines
And when welfare stops, the trouble starts to pile

Well, minin' is a hazard in hazard, kentucky
And if you ain't minin' there
Well, my friends, you're awful lucky
'Cause if you don't get silicosis or pay that's just atrocious
You'll be screamin' for a union that will care

Well, the depression was ended with the war
But nobody told kentucky, that is sure
Some are living in a sewer while the jobs are getting fewer
But more coal is mined than ever was before

Well, minin' is a hazard in hazard, kentucky
And if you ain't minin' there
Well, my friends, you're awful lucky
'Cause if you don't get silicosis or pay that's just atrocious
You'll be screamin' for a union that will care

Well, the badge of sheriff combs always shines
And when duty calls he seldom ever whines
Well, I don't like raisin' thunder, but it sort of makes you wonder
When he runs the law and also runs the mines

Well, minin' is a hazard in hazard, kentucky
And if you ain't minin' there
Well, my friends, you're awful lucky
'Cause if you don't get silicosis or pay that's just atrocious
You'll be screamin for a union that will care

Well, our standard of living is highest all around
But our standard of giving is the lowest when you're down
So give a yell and a whistle when they light that union missile
And we'll lift our feet up off the ground

Well, minin' is a hazard in hazard, kentucky
And if you ain't minin' there
Well, my friends, you're awful lucky
'Cause if you don't get silicosis or pay that's just atrocious
You'll be screamin for a union that will care