My daddy said don't ever be a miner
For a miner's grave is all you'll ever own
Oh it's hard times everywhere I can't find a dime to spare
These are the worst times I've ever known

So I'll move away into some crowded city
In some northern factory town you'll find me there
Though I'll leave the past behind I will never change my mind
These troubled times are more than I can bear

And someday I'll go back to West Virginia
To the green rolling hills I love so well
Yes someday I'll go home and I know I'll right the wrong
These troubled times will follow me no more