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WHEN?
by JAPOV - 01/17/26 04:33 PM
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JDBAC
by JAPOV - 01/17/26 01:22 PM
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Joan Baez
by Gary E. Andrews - 01/15/26 09:57 AM
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Star Trek
by John Lawrence Schick - 01/14/26 03:55 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,029 Likes: 28
Top 100 Poster
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OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,029 Likes: 28 |
I wrote this song about 14 years ago as a tribute to the tragic WV Upper Big Branch Mining Disaster April 10th, 2005. It was a true tragedy according to many due to Massey Energy "looking the other way" when given mining inspection warnings concerning improper mine ventilation systems being in place. When writing this song, though focused on this particular mining disaster, I tried to encompass a larger historical perspective of West Virginia's many mining disasters and the lives that were lost over the last two centuries. It will be 15 years here in a few days from that explosive blast that claimed 29 men. I purposely produced this song in a cinematic arrangement and feel--hope you enjoy it! steady-eddie
Upper Big Branch Mining Disaster--music/lyrics by: e.swartz
Upper Big Branch Mining DisasterThe trees, were just budding, and spring was in the air But deep within the mountain, twenty-nine were in despair West Virginia, you’ve been here before, a few more miners found heaven’s door An hour or so south of Charleston, on a winding coal river road, The Upper Big Branch in Montcoal, my God why did she explode! We can only wonder why, those brave men had to die Chorus: Oh why, please tell me why, Massey please, explain to me A coal miner’s life is risky; families know that from the start But there’s little consolation, when so many are torn apart It doesn’t seem fair, to trade your soul, for a lousy lump of coal You know, it’s not the first time, that tragedy has found our mines There was Monongah, Bartley, and Sago, and Farmington number nine The list goes on, and it’s way too long, to mention all in this song Chorus: Oh why, please tell me why, Massey please, explain to me (Violin Solo) “West by God Virginia,” we’re crying with you today, Your mountains are the backbone, of the Eastern USA It doesn’t seem fair, to trade your soul, for a lousy lump of coal From Maine to California, from the Black Hills to the Bayou We send our tears via radio, this nation mourning for you We can only, wonder why, those brave men had to die! The trees, were just budding, and spring was in the air But deep within the mountain, twenty-nine, are now, in Your care
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1 member likes this:
Guy E. Trepanier |
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 6,807 Likes: 164
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Top 40 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 6,807 Likes: 164 |
You and Marty would sound good singing together 
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME HERE... CANCEL CULTURE IS ALIVE AND WELL @JPF!
YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT'S ALREADY BEEN DELETED...
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 3,879 Likes: 125
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Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 3,879 Likes: 125 |
They had a lot of mining disasters
Good story Eddie
Sounds good
We’re all built from the same dust and dreams,
Different roads, but the same means.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,455 Likes: 41
Top 200 Poster
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Top 200 Poster
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,455 Likes: 41 |
It's a very nice recording, and the song is great.
Really nice!
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,029 Likes: 28
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OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Nov 2011
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Thanks for spin Japov!
Benash, much appreciated. Most of my songs are fiction, this was one of very few that were inspired.
Tom, thanks man!
steady-eddie
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 12,380 Likes: 8
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Top 10 Poster
Joined: Jun 2011
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Hi Eddie.
Great production and a poignant well constructed lyric and all round song.
I'm sure too that you put a lit of time into it!
Best Regards
John
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. Oscar Wilde
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,029 Likes: 28
Top 100 Poster
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OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,029 Likes: 28 |
Hi John,
Really good to hear from you--obviously, we haven't been around here as much as we used to--thanks much!
steady-eddie
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