Phil Ochs — Hazard Kentucky

[Intro] Here's a song about Hazard, Kentucky.  [Verse 1] Well, some people think that unions are too strong Union leaders should go back where they belong But I wish that they could see a little more of poverty And they might start to sing a different song [Verse 2] Well, let's look at old Kentucky for a while It is hard to find a miner who will smile Well, the Constitution's fine, but it's hard reading in the mines And when welfare stops, the trouble starts to pile [Chorus] Well, minin' is a hazard in Hazard, Kentucky And if you ain't minin' there Well, my friends, you're awful lucky 'Cause if you don't get silicosis or pay that's just atrocious You'll be screamin' for a union that will care [Verse 3] Well, the Depression was ended with the war But nobody told Kentucky, that is sure Some are living in a sewer while the jobs are gettin' fewer But more coal is mined than ever was before [Chorus] Well, minin' is a hazard in Hazard, Kentucky And if you ain't minin' there you're awful lucky 'Cause if you don't get silicosis or pay that's just atrocious You'll be screamin' for a union that will care [Verse 4] Well, the badge of Sheriff Combs always shines And when duty calls he seldom ever whines Well, I don't like raisin' thunder, but it sort of makes you wonder When he runs the law and also runs the mines [Spoken] Chorus, then, um [Verse 5] Well, our standard of living is the highest all around But our standard of giving is the lowest when you're down So give a yell and give a whistle when they light that union missile And we'll all lift our feet up off the ground [Chorus] Minin' is a hazard in Hazard, Kentucky And if you ain't minin' there you're awful lucky If you don't get silicosis or pay that's just atrocious You'll be screamin for a union that will care