Lyrics
Judy Belle Thompson she opened her eyes
Judy Belle Thompson wakes up.
When shown the limp bodies her grandson held high
She sees her grandson holding dead fish from a polluted stream.
Fists filled with fish found dead in the stream
The fish died due to pollution from mining activities (valley fills).
From valley fills bursting just to get to the seam
Mining operations caused environmental damage to access resources.
No glimmer just grey with eyes milky white
The environment appears bleak, devoid of hope.
Judy Belle Thompson could not tell him why
Judy Belle Thompson cannot explain the situation to her grandson.
Blackwater spills the cup's ravaged lip
Blackwater, polluted from mining, affects the community.
Turning Marfork Hollow into Markfork Crypt
The area turns into a symbolic crypt due to pollution.
Judy Belle Thompson she woke up that day
Judy Belle Thompson wakes up determined.
From neighbor nor power she would not give sway
She refuses to yield to neighbors or power.
Her voice loud and clear her aim pure and true
Her voice is resolute and focused.
Judy Belle Thompson told Massey you're through
She confronts Massey Energy, a mining company.
With keeping us down with your crown made of coal
Accuses Massey of oppression through coal mining.
And burying us under our own poisoned soil
Massey is blamed for burying the community in poisoned soil.
Rock and dirt overburden it's called
"Rock and dirt overburden" - excess materials from mining.
To rain down upon us and silence us all
These materials cause harm and suppress the community.
Ironweed binds the flowering fields
Ironweed represents resilience amidst environmental degradation.
The roots run deep its strength will not yield
Symbolizes the community's strength against adversity.
Now Ironweed blooms upon her grave
Ironweed grows on Judy Belle Thompson's grave.
Lifted by voices from mountains
Her legacy is carried on by voices standing against oppression.
Bloodstained
Symbol of struggle and sacrifice (bloodstained).
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