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No. 15

by Brian Diller

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Song number 14. This was another song recorded direct to two-track at Gorby's Music former recording studio. I wrote this after reading about the Finley No. 15 Mine Disaster that happened in 1970 in Hyden, KY. 38 men were killed in a preventable mining explosion. The Finley Mining Company owner was indicted for numerous safety violations that led directly to the disaster. The indictments were later dismissed, leaving a void of accountability for the deaths of 38 men. The story hit me hard. If you are from W.Va. as I am, regardless of background and circumstance, coal is in your DNA. It permeates the history and soul of the state. I wrote this from the perspective of the son of a coal miner, worrying each night if his father would come home safely. It struck me as a terribly sad way to grow up, the anxiety chipping away at the innocence of childhood. This song is dedicated to the 38 souls lost in the Finley Mine Disaster.

lyrics

My name is John and I was born a mile from here,
Just outside the coal field fence, my house stands in the clearing.
I grew up on dust and smoke,
No. 15 put it's hands around my throat.

At night I'd pray the bells wouldn't ring "Fire in the hole,"
And every shift my father worked I prayed he'd come back home.
But No. 15 would call him back,
It's black hands reaching deep inside our souls.

CHORUS:
Eight hours of digging in a hole,
You say to yourself, "Another day's gone."
And the days all start to tumble and fall,
As you carve your name on the side of these walls.

An eight hour shift spent in the ground, it leaves you colorblind,
The only sunlight you ever see is what comes through the blinds.
Hush the baby while Daddy's sleeping,
Little baby has a hard time understanding.

CHORUS:

A hundred miles of black blood river runs beneath this town,
A hundred years of sweat and coal dust and good men gone to ground.
We all grew up on dust and smoke,
No. 15 put it's hands around our throats.

CHORUS:

Can't keep yourself away......

credits

released June 25, 2022
Written by Brian Diller. Performed by Steve Burgess (Bass guitar,) Brian Diller (Vocals and guitar,) Dave (Doc) Pearcy (Keyboards,) Greg Wegmann (Lead guitar and harmonica,) Jeff Woolley (Drums.)

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Brian Diller Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Diller has been a professional musician since the late 1970's. He has shared stages with Eddie Money, Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, Pure Prairie League, Orleans and the legendary Ray Charles. His songs have been included in the films, "Strangest Dreams," and "Chillers." He has been a regular performer at the Bluebird Cafe and a featured performer/writer for the acclaimed NPR show "Mountain Stage." ... more

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