As a former coal miner in Alabama, this song hits the nail on the head. Working 6-7 days a week 1,900 feet below ground. But I wouldn’t change anything about working down there with an amazing group of guys, or should I say family. I have listened to this song so many times.
This song is the song I play every time I think of my father or visit his memorialized site. He died in the Westray Coal Mine in Pictou County Nova Scotia. I can remember him coming up from underground with black hands and black coal dust around his eyelids. His work boots were brown, but turned black from the coal dust. "I can't fall asleep for the dreams that may come, when the walls cave in and the coal fills my lungs" - our family lived that nightmare for the past 25 years. Ashes to dust with these coal mining blues....
I'm so sorry to hear this tragic loss. It is so sad to know the sacrifices our loved ones give up for their loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences.
I work underground and I love what I do. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. We are a family under there and it's been like no other job/brotherhood ever.
Ahhh... what a string of coincidences! First of all... sorry about your father. Can´t imagine what that life has been like, although I have been involved in a few km of road tunnel in Iceland. I have however been trying to remember the name of a band that I was introduced to wayyy back and I absolutely fell for. It was from your area. When I saw your name and Nova Scotia all the pieces fell into the right place. Band: Mackeel. Album: Plaid. My late friend, geologist and a great human being, Dr. Gerardo Iturrino, introduced me to that music while we were on a research mission in the Indian Ocean in 1997. Thanks!
I remember being asked the question: If you could go back in time and meet anyone who would it be? My answer has varied over the years. This concert is at the top of my list. There is so much pure emotion and just incredible talent. Matt Anderson is one of the greatest performers of all time.
My dad worked the mines in Natal B.C in the 50s. He hated every day but had kids to feed. He would come home at night and play his fiddle to forget the fear. He quit one day when he was walking out of the mine and it collapsed behind him. But had to go back. I loved that man. Miss you Dad.
Had the great pleasure of listening to this guy on the Blues Cruise, really wonderful and also a gentleman. Even got to talk to him, had never heard him before not realizing how big he was in Canada. great artist and song writer
just brilliant, reminds me of hard days working the farm up at 4 finish late at 8. my old mam has past, cancer got her ,was like throwing a grenade into our family. still love you mum
Why are not these songs on Spotify? Just clean, raw tunes played and singed straight from the heart without ever touching a computer! This sound makes my whole boddy and soul come to life. Thank you so much for the music. It means the world to me..
Roar of a Lion, the breath of a mouse.. One of the best lines I've ever heard. Thats if for those of you who might not know about coal mining. Lungs full of dust. What a great line Matt. Add another fan my man.
Matt is finally getting the recognition he well deserves...Maple Blues Award.. he kicked ass down in Memphis, Tennessee, got mimself high honours and brought home the chrome!! Some good for a Carleton County Boy from New Brunswick, Canada!!
I heard a CBC radio broadcast of his last night while driving home. This song spoke to my soul, and his voice and sound just moved me. I am so glad I was able to find his music online and definitely will be purchasing as much of his music as I can! All I can say is WOW!
How would someone find anything thumb down with this guy, I have seen him 3 times and he has more talent then 10 artists combined hands down and is a great guy and humble to boot.
I'm so glad you appeared on my play list somehow but now you will be one of my favorites. Have coal miner history in my family back to the early 1900's. My grandmother and grandfather lived in Welch West Virginia and he was a coal miner.
Honestly i do not know why it took 28 years of my life til i discovered this guy. Absolutely AMAZING. Why the hell isnt he that famous as he deserves to be?
Saw Matt when he opened for OCMS a couple years ago in Kalamazoo at the State Theater. He had the whole crowd going and I made sure I bought a CD afterwards. This song is certainly my favorite but overall he's a talented musician and we're lucky people like him are still rockin' from town to town.
Every time I hear Matt Andersen, I am inspired. Wherever Matt performs, he continues to build communities whether this is on stage with fellow performers and collaborators or where he resides in support of fundraising and relief efforts. Matt engages with music fans and always makes time to say "hello". It is not only his phenomenal talent that earns him an avid, grass-roots following around the world - but also his generous and humble nature.
Matt's an all around great person!! I've seen him stay after a paid show to put on a free performance for those who couldn't get tickets! And in between sets he was out cutting a rug with the crowd!! My hat goes off to this guy!
Wow! Your voice! I'm speechless!!! You have an amazing sound! Truly gifted... The Lord blessed you well. And your song brought tears to my eyes. Reminded me of my Daddy❤!
i wish i could like this a million times.. no words could ever describe how much love i have for this song, and how much respect i have for my great uncle. And not to mention The Singing Miner during the Springhill N.S mine collapse. May the higher power watch over those brave individuals who give up their time to slave in the darkness and gasses for years to barely feed their families.. I couldn't imagine a week trapped in a coal mine with nothing to drink but your own piss.. that kinda shit takes a real fucking man.
Thanks Matt. I met you a couple years ago in Welland Ont at Luminaqua. I bought your album there. I am trying to learn this song as a prayer for the men of the Springhill disaster. Brings tears to my eyes remembering the company towns, the men trying to put bread on the table and the wives, son's and daughters who lost them.
Matt, your an incredible Man.... im kind of a hard ass thats lived a more then tough life , there are not many things that give me a feeling in my heart and my soul like you do with your music...I personally appriciate everything you are my Man....i hope i have an opportunity one day to see one of your performances .....keep it real my friend.
One of one of my favorite songs reminds me of my father for 40 years coal mining love it love to see you live sometime ny friend matt in concert lol merry Christmas my friend and a happy new year
Seen this guy live twice, out of all of the concerts I have been to those were the best hands down. This guy is a phenomenal artist and a good soul, too bad others havent discovered him.
saw you open for doyle in mass....second time ive heard this song....and once again almost brought me to tears....amazing songwriting....dynamic voice....and an all around awesome song.....
Watched Matt in Banff a couple of weeks back. To my east-coast Canadian brothers and sisters: please keep encouraging your kids to learn the music of your people. You have a unique culture, and your contribution to the spiritual feast of our people must persist. It must continue. Please.
Well, I saw you mr. Andersen in a church in PEI one August night this year! I have to say that I was in jaw dropping aww of your total performance. But I have to say that this song coupled with that voice of yours was the best. There is a certain meaning behind this song that Makes me partial as I lost my great grandfather in the Springhill Nova Scotia coal mine. The bump. Sitting in that church that night and listening to this song was amazing!! I'm glad my aunt gave up her ticket for me!!
