Lyr Req: Coal Loadin' Johnny (Flatt & Scruggs)

Subject: Lyr Req: Coal Loadin' Johnny - Flatt & Scruggs
From: 2581
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 10:59 AM

Is anyone familiar with this old coal mining song? I had never heard of it until recently and I can't make out all of the lyrics...

Also, does anyone know who wrote it?


"Coal Loadin' Johnny" - Flatt & Scruggs

Subject: Lyr Add: LOADING COAL (Johnny Cash)
From: GUEST,Frug
Date: 09 Apr 13 - 06:35 AM

LOADING COAL
Words and music by Merle Travis
As recorded by Johnny Cash on "Ride this Train" (1960)

My pappy said when I was seventeen:
"You're six feet tall and your face is clean,
And it don't look right for a boy that old
To not make a livin' loadin' coal."

CHORUS: Loadin' coal, loadin' coal,
I'm a double first cousin to a dad-blame mole.
Never get rich for to save my soul,
And forty-'leven years a-loadin' coal, loadin' coal.

Ain't never got acquainted with a dollar bill,
And I don't ever reckon that I ever will.
A dollar ain't made for a feller I'm told,
That scoops up a livin' loadin' coal. CHORUS

I cussed everything in the mining camp
From my shovel and my pick to my carbide lamp,
But I know mighty well till I grow old
I'll still be a-cussin' but loadin' coal. CHORUS

I know just as well as coal is black,
One of these days the mines will strike,
And I'll sit around starvin' till I'm finally told
There's a nickel more a ton for loadin' coal. CHORUS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Coal Loadin' Johnny - Flatt & Scruggs
From: GUEST,Frug
Date: 09 Apr 13 - 06:36 AM

That one by Merle Travis

Subject: Lyr Add: COAL LOADIN' JOHNNY (from Flatt & Scruggs
From: GUEST,Frug
Date: 09 Apr 13 - 06:44 AM

COAL LOADIN' JOHNNY

Now gather around folks and I'll tell you a little story about a Harlan County coal loader. His name was John Henry Merdin, but we always just called him...

    Coal loadin' Johnny, coal loadin' Johnny
    Coal loadin' Johnny was a loader
    He laid the track 'cause he had the back
    And he could make a pick cut a boulder

Now the boss said he loaded forty tons a day
I guess it takes a lot of man to work that way
On a big black mountain where the coal is thick
Used to see Johnny coming with his shovel and pick

Every working day he would walk in the mines
Twenty-eight years and he's still on time
Crawl in on your knees and the top crowds your spine
There's not enough room to even change your mind

He loaded nine cars and started number ten
But Johnny didn't know he'd never load again
Along about midnight his heart missed a beat
And when the boss found him he was dead on his feet

And now that's my story but I'll give you some good advice
I've loaded coal myself once or twice
It's a whole lot of job with a small amount of pay
Never buy a pick and shovel and you'll live a longer day

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Coal Loadin' Johnny (Flatt & Scruggs)
From: 2581
Date: 09 Apr 13 - 10:45 AM

Thanks so much, Frug! I was having trouble with part of the chorus... but I think you've got it! The only thing I am still not sure about is John Henry's last name... I spend a good deal of time in Harlan County and I have never heard that last name... Have you found the lyrics printed somewhere or are you saying "Merdin" based om listening to the song? Also, I know that Merle Travis wrote "Loadin' Coal" for Johnny Cash, but do you know who wrote "Coal Loadin' Johnny"? Thanks again!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Coal Loadin' Johnny (Flatt & Scruggs)
From: GUEST,Frug
Date: 09 Apr 13 - 11:35 AM

http://www.copyrightencyclopedia.com/dc-364-paper-model-of-the-worlds-most-famous-airplane-ac/

This copyright link suggests Alan Rose C.1960 ish. The words I copies from another site which now seems to have got a bit lost!!

Frank