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Workin' in a Coal Mine

24 Mar 98 - 09:42 PM (#24543)
Subject: Workin' in a Coal Mine
From: dahowa@aol.com

I am looking for the lyrics to the song that everyone knows which contains the lyrics: Workin' in a coal mine, goin' down, down, down. Workin' in a coal mine, Whoop, about to step down. Thank you so much. Dave

25 Mar 98 - 03:59 AM (#24552)
Subject: RE: Workin' in a Coal Mine
From: Joe Offer

Well, here is one version, but it doesn't sound quite like the recording I remember. Pop stuff like this isn't quite within our area of expertise around here. We spend most of our energy on folk music. It's best to check sites like the International Lyrics Server for pop lyrics.
-Joe Offer-

25 Mar 98 - 11:22 PM (#24624)
Subject: RE: Workin' in a Coal Mine
From: dahowa

Thanks, Joe. I found the song on the International Lyrics Server, but they only had part of the song, and it was a version performed, apparently, by Devo. Appreciate the effort though.

26 Mar 98 - 10:52 AM (#24634)
Subject: RE: Workin' in a Coal Mine
From: Earl

The whole song doesn't appear to be anywhere on the web. If it's any help, it was recorded by Lee Dorsey and written by the great New Orleans producer/songwriter/piano player Alan Toussaint who once had a musical on Broadway about Staggerlee. It ran about as long as The Capeman.

27 Mar 98 - 03:20 AM (#24718)
Subject: RE: Workin' in a Coal Mine
From: Joe Offer

The Devo version didn't satisfy me, either. Anybody have the correct lyrics?
-Joe offer-

27 Mar 98 - 11:47 AM (#24741)
Subject: ADD: Workin' in a Coal Mine
From: Earl

Working in a Coal Mine
By Alan Toussaint

Working in a coal mine, goin down down down
Working in a coal mine, goin down down down
Working in a coal mine, whoop, about to slip down
(Repeat)

five o'clock in the morning
I'm already up and gone
Lord, I'm so tired
How long can this go on

Chorus

Course I make only money
Hauling coal by the ton
When Saturday rolls around
I'm too tired for havin fun

Chorus

Spoken:
Lord, I'm so tired
How long can this go on

Chorus
Repeat 1st verse
Chorus

27 Mar 98 - 12:46 PM (#24746)
Subject: RE: Workin' in a Coal Mine
From: Joe Offer

Thanks, Earl. Gee, when you look at it, it seems almost like a folk song. The recording I used to hear on the radio sounded like pop music to me. Is the Dorsey recording the one that made a minor hit, or is the recording I'm familiar with by somebody else?
-Joe Offer-

28 Mar 98 - 04:12 PM (#24787)
Subject: RE: Workin' in a Coal Mine
From: Earl

Lee Dorsey had the hit and I don't think anyone else recorded it (except Devo.) The bass and drums make it sound a lot less folky. I could never figure out why they were singing about coal mines in Lousiana, though.