by Alex Wilson
Album
Appalachian Ghosts
Genre
Americana/Country-Hip Hop Fusion
Description
This song evokes a somber and reflective mood, exploring the struggles of a young miner facing hardship. Fusing elements of Americana and hip-hop, it blends traditional storytelling with contemporary rhythms to paint a vivid picture of life in Appalachia.
Lyrics
Verse 1: Sun dips low, another shift is done, Another day of dust beneath the sun. Head's a-throbbin', body's beat up, sore, But tonight, forget the pain, I'll want some more. Whiskey's callin', a siren in the night, Drownin' sorrows in that amber light. Chorus: Coal dust and whiskey, that's my Friday night, Washin' away the darkness, holdin' on tight. Wake up early, sun ain't even peekin', But the coal mine's waitin', my soul's still bleakin'. Verse 2: Empty bottle, empty promises I made, To myself, to a life I could've swayed. But this town's a grip, a hand upon my throat, Workin' hard, but still ain't got a boat. To sail away from this life of grime and sweat, Another Friday's coming, ain't forgot it yet. Chorus: Coal dust and whiskey, that's my Friday night, Washin' away the darkness, holdin' on tight. Wake up early, sun ain't even peekin', But the coal mine's waitin', my soul's still bleakin'. Bridge: Fiddle solo - mournful, yet defiant, mirroring the internal struggle. (Beat switches to a more stripped-down, acoustic feel, resembling a Tyler Childers ballad) My mama's ghost whispers in the coal dust haze, Says, "Boy, find a way to escape these days." But the mountain's shadow's long, it wraps me tight, And the rhythm of the hammer keeps me in the fight. Chorus: Coal dust and whiskey, that's my Friday night, Washin' away the darkness, holdin' on tight. Wake up early, sun ain't even peekin', But the coal mine's waitin', my soul's still bleakin'. Outro: (Music fades out with a final, lingering fiddle note and a repeated, low acoustic guitar strum) Coal dust... whiskey...
Notes
This song tells the story of Alex Wilson, a young coal miner, grappling with the harsh realities of his life. He pours his experiences into a blend of country and hip-hop, reflecting influences like Johnny Cash's gritty honesty, Waylon Jennings' outlaw spirit, and the soulful power of Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers. The lyrics detail a typical Friday night – getting drunk to numb the pain, only to wake up and face the grueling work in the coal mine the next morning. The hip-hop influence adds a contemporary edge to the classic country storytelling, creating a unique sound that's both raw and relatable. It's a song about resilience, the struggle to survive, and the quiet dignity of a hardworking man.