Kathy Mattea: The L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore

While my favorite rendition of this coal mining classic was by Michelle Shocked, her version is not available on YouTube. So, I turned to my second favorite interpretation which was by Kathy Mattea from Cross Lanes, WV. Today’s Traditional Tuesday tune was written and originally recorded by the queen of the Appalachian dulcimer Jean Ritchie.

A song about Hazard, KY, the L&N referred to is the Louisville and Nashville Rail Road. While the line was quite successful in its heyday, it was purchased by the Seaboard Coast Line in 1971. Amtrak took over the passenger service in 1979 and Seaboard eventually discontinued the L&N brand in 1982. I’m not sure when Jean wrote “The L&N Don’t Stop Here Anymore,” but it seems to me that it was in the 1960s.

Live Version

Lyrics

When I was a curly-headed baby
My daddy set me down on his knee
Saying ''Son you go to school, you learn your letters
Don't you be no dusty miner, boy like me''
I was born and raised at the mouth of the Hazard Holler
Where the coal cars rolled and rumbled past my door
But now they stand in a rusty row of all empties
Because the L & N don't stop here anymore

I used to think my father was a black man
With scrip enough to buy the company store
But now he goes to town with empty pockets
And his face is as white as the February snow
I was born and raised at the mouth of the Hazard Holler
Where the coal cars rolled and rumbled past my door
But now they stand in a rusty road of all empties
Because the L & N don't stop here anymore

Never thought I'd live to learn to love the coaldust
Never thought I'd pray to hear those temples roar
But God I wish the grass would turn to money
And then them greenbacks would fill my pockets once more
I was born and raised at the mouth of the Hazard Holler
Where the coal cars rolled and rumbled past my door
But now they stand in a rusty road of all empties
Because the L & N don't stop here anymore

Last night I dreamed I went down to the office
To get my payday like I done before
But them old kudzu vines was covering the doorway
And there was leaves and grass growing up through the floor
I was born and raised at the mouth of the Hazard Holler
Where the coal cars rolled and rumbled past my door
But now they stand in a rusty road of all empties
Because the L & N don't stop here anymore