Dark as a Dungeon
Merle Travis
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Oh come all you young fellers so young and so fine Seek not your fortune in a dark dreary mine It'll form as a habit and seep in your soul Till the stream of your blood runs as black as the coal Where it's dark as a dungeon damp as the dew danger is double pleasures are few Where the rain never falls the sun never shines It's a dark as a dungeon way down in the mine Well it's many a man that I've seen in my day (uh huh no laughin' during this song please it's bein' recorded) Like a fiend with his dope and a drunkard with his wine A man will have lust for the lure of the mine And pray when I'm dead and my ages shall roll That my body would blacken and turn into coal Then I'll look from the door of my heavenly home And pity the miner digging my bones Where it's dark as a dungeon
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Merle Travis
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
9 facts about this song
Song Origin"Dark As a Dungeon" is a folk song written by country singer Merle Travis. It's a well-known song in his repertoire and became broadly popular through its inclusion in the 1968 live album "At Folsom Prison" by Johnny Cash.
|
Inspirational ThemesThe song is a lament about the dangers and drudgery of being a coal miner. Its lyrics reflect the hardships and risky life these workers face daily, symbolizing the grueling and labor-intensive environments of the coal mining industry.
|
CompositionIt was first recorded by Merle Travis in 1946 for his album "Folk Songs of the Hills." Travis wrote the song to reflect the harsh realities of mining life, inspired by his father and brother, who were coal miners.
|
Live PerformanceJohnny Cash's famous performance of "Dark As a Dungeon" took place during his 1968 concert at Folsom State Prison. This performance was later included in the "At Folsom Prison" live album, which made it widely known.
|
Appearance in Popular CultureThe song is featured in the 2015 film "The Big Short" as part of the soundtrack, engaging audiences with its haunting melody and vivid lyrics about the life of coal miners.
|
LegacyThe tune and lyrics have been likened to an old-time spiritual. This song has been covered by many artists throughout the years, including the Country Gentlemen, Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Weavers, Vince Gill, and Kathy Mattea, indicating its enduring popularity and legacy.
|
Recognition"Dark As a Dungeon" is considered the unofficial anthem of coal miners. It was named as one of the 100 essential folk songs by folk music historian Neil V. Rosenberg.
|
Symbolic LyricsThe song uses darkness not only to depict the physical darkness of a mine but also as a metaphor for the dangers, despair and fatalistic way of life of miners.
|
ImpactMerle Travis' song helped raise awareness about the plight of coal miners, making it not just a song but also a social commentary and call to action.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Dark as a Dungeon Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/23444380/Merle+Travis/Dark+as+a+Dungeon>.
Discuss the Dark as a Dungeon Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In