Black Lung Heartache
Mountain Man's Lament: Confronting Black Lung Heartache
Lyrics
Well I'm a man of the mountain
Identifying as someone connected to nature and the earth
I'm just made of dirt
Feeling like one is made of the same substance as the earth
Of this Earth I traveled
Expressing a journey through life akin to a shepherd guiding his flock
Like a shepherd and his herd
Metaphorically referring to guiding and caring for others
And I said hang on, hang on
An expression of resilience and determination in a difficult situation
Black lung heartache
A reference to the pain and suffering caused by working in hazardous conditions
I sleep in a modest house
Living a simple life in a humble dwelling
These green hills I mind
Taking care of the natural environment and its resources
And if I plow tend my children
Concern for the future and the well-being of one's children
Who will be by the side?
Questioning who will support and stand by the children in times of need
And I said hang on, hang on
Reiteration of enduring through hardship
Black Lung Heartache
Repetition of the suffering caused by occupational hazards
I've shed many tears
Expressing a history of emotional pain and exhaustion
Seems I can't shed no more
Feeling emotionally drained and unable to express more pain
You can see them on the table
Visualizing tears as physical evidence of emotional distress
You can see 'em on the floor
Further emphasizing the visible effects of emotional turmoil
Now I said hang on, hang on
Continued perseverance in the face of adversity
Black lung heartache
Repeated reference to the distressing impact of hazardous work
I've seen many men
Observing others toughening up due to challenging circumstances
They become hard as nails
Describing individuals becoming hardened and resilient
Carrying the hammers like keys to a jail
Metaphorically portraying tools as symbols of imprisonment
Now I said hang on, hang on
Reiterating the enduring nature of the pain caused by hazardous work
Black lung heartache
Continuing to express the suffering caused by occupational hazards
Now I said so long, so long
Signifying a farewell or departure from the pain and suffering
Black lung heartache
Reiterating the departure from the suffering caused by hazardous work
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