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Pennsylvania Coal

from Pennsylvania Coal by Irene Kelley

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Every picture tells a story, and the one in sepia tone of my maternal grandfather on horseback at the mouth of the Crabtree, Pennsylvania coal mine pretty much tells my family’s story. That picture has hung in my home for many years. That is the heritage I have always been proud of. It is the mark of struggle and hard work and pride. Not so much for my grandma. To her it meant hard times, poverty and illegal & shameful acts of bootlegging. Things you do to buy clothes and shoes and provide for your family. My grandparents were Polish immigrants who moved to America when they were 15 & 17, never to see their parents again. They settled in Crabtree, bought a 200-acre farm and raised eight kids. Grandpa died from black lung in the 80’s, and my grandma lasted 10 more years. She was one tough lady. I’ve come to view their strengths and resourcefulness as admirable. I can only hope I inherited a smidgen. My dear friend and co-writer, Thomm Jutz, are kindred in many ways. He grew up in Germany and possesses the same European heart and humility depicted in this song. I showed Thomm the picture and said I’d really like to tell this story. We wrote it in one day. Every word is true. The picture of my grandfather, Paul R. Verchuck at the mouth of the Crabtree coal mine graces the back cover of “Pennsylvania Coal.” Grampap is the one on horseback!

lyrics

“Pennsylvania Coal”
Written by Irene Kelley/Thomm Jutz
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Crabtree Pennsylvania, a sleepy little town
Everything that kept her going, was lying under ground
My grandpa worked the mine and then he worked the farm
8 hours in the dark 6 hours in the sun
*And everyday hear that whistle blow
To make a better life for someone down the road
And pray one day the ones you love will know
You don’t sell your soul for another load of Pennsylvania coal

My grandma made and sold corn liquor to buy the families’ shoes
For that little so called luxury that’s what she had to do
First generation American and proud
She wouldn’t talk about it but I’m here to tell it now
(*)
**Black lung, unsung heroes every one
Unknown, backbone I’m still leaning on…

credits

from Pennsylvania Coal, released February 11, 2014
Available on "Pennsylvania Coal" by Irene Kelley (out Feb. 11, 2014) Publishing info:
Irene Kelley: Shiny Stuff Music, BMI
Thomm Jutz: Thomm Songs, SESAC; Admin., Bluewater Music

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Irene Kelley Nashville, Tennessee

Irene Kelley’s signature mix of Bluegrass, Country and Americana appeals to music lovers across all genres. A native of Latrobe, PA, she has independently released two albums and another for MCA Records. Irene's songs have been recorded by Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Pat Green, Brother Phelps, Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, Darrell Scott, The Whites, the Osborne Brothers & others. ... more

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