One of the most perfect songs that Jean has written was the lament for the coal miner and for organized labor in this country, defining the pain brought about by the rust belt, "The L and N Don't Stop Here Anymore'. The Louisville to Nashville Railroad was at one time a thriving railroad and the suffering of the coal miner is depicted here in such a poignant way.

THE L & N DON'T STOP HERE ANYMORE
(Jean Ritchie)

"When I was a curly headed baby, my daddy took me down upon his knee
Sayin' 'Sonny go to school and get your learnin' and don't be a dusty miner, just like me'

Chorus: I was born and raised in the heart of the Hazard Holler
With the coal cars roaring' and rumbling' past my door.
But now they're standing in a rusty row all empty,
And the L and N don't stop here anymore.

I used to think my daddy was a black man, with scrip enough to buy the Company Store
But now he goes downtown with empty pockets
And his face as white as the January snow.                   Chorus

Last night I dreamed I went down to the office, to draw my payday like I done before
Them old cudsy vines were crawling through the doorway
And the grain' grass was growing' on the floor               Chorus

I never thought I'd learn to love the coal dust
Never thought I'd yearn to hear the tipple roar
How I wish that dust would turn to money
And greenbacks line my pockets once more "                Chorus

This song is a metaphor for what is happening to our country, the US today.
A great railroad becomes useless. As Pete said, so prescient,

"I'd sing out danger, I'd sing out a warning'..."