Buddy © 1999 George Ireton Verse 1: The coal mines of Kentucky were deep and dark and cold When he followed Daddy's footsteps he was just fourteen years old He had to work. There was no choice for him back then it seemed No time to play or go to school no time for youthful dreams. Chorus 1: They walked him down that coal town road just like a grown-up man Sang a working song and called him Buddy They helped him overcome the fear of darkness underground Promised he'd be safe and welcomed Buddy. Verse 2: Then every day for miners pay he worked to stay alive In hopeless, painful poverty they struggled to survive He tried to feed the family and barely paid the rent Every dime he ever earned already spoken for and spent. Chorus 2: Then one dark day the whistle blew and finally set him free They sang Amazing Grace and cried for Buddy They carried him back up the road he traveled every day Laid him safe beneath the soil and prayed for Buddy. Verse 3: Some folks said that it was sad he lost his life so young But he escaped the agony of old men with black lung Though Daddy reckoned he would be the first to pass away In silent prayer he thanked the lord for taking Buddy home that day. Chorus 3: He walked right through those pearly gates and went to his reward The angels all rejoiced and shouted Buddy! Then they embraced and walked along the streets of purest gold Forever safe within Gods arms he was our Buddy.
