John Mellencamp has been outspoken on politics for a number of years. From his involvement with Farm Aid to his music and interviews, he is vocal on his political beliefs. It is no surprise then that Mellencamp is involved on some level with the current debate on coal and clean energy. In a documentary created by National Geographic that addresses both sides of the coal issue, John Mellencamp contributed to the soundtrack.
John Mellencamp recorded a version of “Dark as a Dungeon” on the soundtrack of the From the Ashes documentary. Originally written in 1946 by Merle Travis, the song describes the harsh conditions working in a coal mine (Mellencamp.com). Physically demanding and dangerous, miners work with a risk of injury every time they enter a mine, and typically end up with black lung from inhaling all the coal dust. The coal miner’s life is as important as it is controversial.The song has become one that rallies for better working conditions over the years.
“Dark as a Dungeon” has also been covered by numerous artists aside from Mellencamp. Johnny Cash’s version is the most famous of the batch landing on his At Folsom Prison recordings, however, Dolly Parton, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Willie Nelson, Amy Grant, and The Spinners are among others who have recorded the miner’s cry for better, safer working conditions. While the debate on the topic is far from over, the music helps bring to light the controversy of this energy source.
Listen to John Mellencamp’s version below:
(John Mellencamp “Dark as a Dungeon” official music video courtesy of John Mellencamp. ©2017)
~Jenna Jakes, WOGB
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