Old Chunk of Coal
Billy Joe Shaver
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Hey I'm just an old chunk of coal But I'm gonna be a diamond some day I'm gonna grow and glow till I'm so blue pure perfect I'm gonna put a smile on everybody's face I'm gonna kneel and pray every day Lest I should become vain along the way I'm just an old chunk of coal now Lord But I'm gonna be a diamond some day I'm gonna learn the best way to walk Gonna search and find a better way to talk I'm gonna spit and polish my old rough edged self Till I get rid of every single flaw I'm gonna be the world's best friend Gonna go round shaking everybody's hand I'm gonna be the cotton pickin' rage of the age I'm gonna be a diamond some day I'm just an old chunk of coal But I'm gonna be a diamond some day
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Written by: BILLY SHAVER
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
About the Songwriter"Old Chunk of Coal" was written by Billy Joe Shaver, who is considered a pioneer of outlaw country music. He has written songs for many well-known artists such as Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Patty Loveless.
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Release DetailsThe song was first recorded and released by Billy Joe Shaver himself in 1981 on his album "I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal... But I'm Gonna Be a Diamond Someday".
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Song's PopularityThe song has since been covered by numerous artists, including John Anderson, Johnny Cash, and Asleep at the Wheel, emphasizing its popularity and influence in the country music landscape.
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Song's MessageThe song is all about personal transformation. It carries a message of hope, telling the story of a dirty, worthless chunk of coal that believes one day, under the right pressure and time, it could become a diamond.
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Inspirational CreationIt is said that Billy Joe Shaver wrote the song after he decided to turn away from a life of hard partying and drug use. The lyrics are thought to reflect this personal transformation that mirrors the song's central metaphor.
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RecognitionIn 2005, the song was recognized by Rolling Stone on its "100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time" list. Furthermore, Billy Joe Shaver was also acknowledged for his songwriting talents, earning the Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in Songwriting in 2002.
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InfluenceInterestingly, "Old Chunk of Coal" has been referenced in pop culture and television, including in an episode of The Simpson where Homer sings the song while dressed as a cowboy, demonstrating its widespread recognition and influence.
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Johnny Cash's CoverJohnny Cash, the Man in Black, covered the song for his 96th album, "Unearthed", which was released posthumously in 2003. Cash's version of the song is highly regarded in the country music community.
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Emotional ImpactDespite its simple tune, "Old Chunk of Coal" is known for evoking strong emotions in listeners with its message about the potential for personal growth and transformation, which adds depth to its popularity.
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Shaver's FaithThe song is also a reflection of Shaver's faith. He claimed that it came to him in a vision from God while he hitchhiked from Houston to Nashville — a fitting journey for a song about transformation and redemption.
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Citation
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"Old Chunk of Coal Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27720295/Billy+Joe+Shaver/Old+Chunk+of+Coal>.
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