Down in the dark where the devils lurk where your soul ain’t worth dirt
Company man don't give a damn 'cause you're only worth your work
The heavens refuse to foot the bill, so they won’t lend a hand
No one dares to give a care except your fellow man

First they break your spirit then they break your body next
And when you can't work no more, they discard you with the rest
A willing body's all they need; they’ll tempt you with a dime
When that's destroyed, y’all ain’t got no more future in that mine


Shine brightly brother
Never rest your head
You must be your own savior
Workers rest when we’re dead

Bright and shiny, bushy tailed with a smile out the door
Now get in line and serve your time like your father did before
There’s only one prospect for a future in this town
Strap on your dimming headlamp, son, and drag your boots on down

If the poison gas don’t get you, the black lung surely will,
And if those two don’t succeed, the hangin’ slime’s there still
If the walls collapse around you, and you’re trapped there for some time
The company will write you off, and leave you in that mine.


Shine brightly sister
Never rest your head
You must be your own savior
Workers rest when we’re dead


Fourteen on. Ten hours off then it's back to the belly of the beast
Break your back for your measly share: two coppers from each gold piece

Don't let the depths take your mind and claim it for their own
You can spend your body in the mines, but bring your soul on home


Shine brightly father
Never rest your head
You must be your own savior
Workers rest when we’re dead


The surest way to save yer soul is joining fifty strong,
You’ll need a plan to take a stand against the boss’ wrongs.
You’ll unionize and standardize the safety for your clan
and unearth a better future by standing hand in hand

Down in the dark where the devils lurk where our souls still have worth
Your fellow miners give a damn 'cause we're worth more than our work
Nevermind the heavens, we sure don't need their grace,
We'll all still band together when we're sleeping in our graves


Shine brightly mother
Never rest your head
You must be your own savior
Workers rest when we’re dead

Shine brightly cousin
Never rest your head
You must be your own savior
Workers rest when we’re dead