The Old Miner

Who will replace this old miner?

Who will take my place below?

Who will follow the darkness down?

Dear God, when I go

And who will wield my heavy pick?

That I did wield for 40 years

And who will hew the black, black coal?

Dear God, when I go

Who will load 15 tonnes a day?

Who will strain his bending back?

And who will work, sweat and ache like hell?

Dear God, when I go

Who will cry when the roof caves in?

And all my friends are dying around

Who will sing the miner's hymn?

Dear God, when I go

For 40 years, I worked the mine

For 40 years, I gave my life

And who will replace this old coal miner?

When I've paid God my price

Dear God, when I go