Well I'm a man of the mountain 

I'm just made of dirt 

Of this Earth I traveled 

Like a shepherd and his herd 



[Chorus:]

And I said hang on, hang on 

Black lung heartache 



I sleep in a modest house 

These green hills I mind 

And if I plow tend my children 

Who will be by the side? 



[Chorus:]

And I said hang on, hang on 

Black Lung Heartache 



I've shed many tears 

Seems I can?t shed no more 

You can see them on the table 

You can see 'em on the floor 



[Chorus Variation:]

Now I said hang on, hang on 

Black lung heartache 



I've seen many men 

They become hard as nails 

Carrying the hammers like keys to a jail 



[Chorus Variation:]

Now I said hang on, hang on 

Black lung heartache 



Now I said so long, so long 

Black lung heartache