Im a coal miner, & remember company stores

The Appalachian coal companies paid in tokens that could only be spent in the stores that they also owned at a extremely inflated Price. A system design to get you so in debt that know matter how hard you work you could never get out.

What 66 year old and still a great song and a good story line.

I'm so glad other people explained the company store concept and how corrupt it was. My dad was born in Virginia coal country and his family moved to Southside Virginia tobacco farm country because things were sooo much better!(Right)  Lots of men died from black lung disease from being exposed to coal dust, and my grandfather didn't want my dad to become a statistic.   Ironically, Dad died from black lung disease from exposure to coal dust while working in a coal-fired boiler plant in a local prison.  I had a serious lump in my throat while you were reacting to this song; it was one of Dad's favorites.  He was only 65 when he died in 2003.  Loved your reaction, just wish it didn't bring back such painful memories. Keep doing what you do, even if it hurts sometimes.

A coal mining song. The company store was (literally) the store owned by the mining company where the miners could purchase whatever (supplies, home items) on credit... you know how that ends up.

I was introduced to this song by my father many many years ago. I found it fitting to play it as they lowered his coffin into the grave. He was a hard worker but at least debt free in the later years of his life and raising 8 kids

Slave to the employer.  They owned the house you lived in & instead of a paycheck you received credit at the company store.  If the worker passed away, the family was kicked out....rough life & impossible to get ahead.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was a favourite of my Mum, so I’ve grown up with his music, and many others. Mum alas has long since passed but this brings back wonderful memories to her 75 year old Daughter.  Many thanks and greetings from France.

Ernie had an awesome voice!!  ❤️🎶❤️

A highly inspirational song for the hard working people that have to experience the same fate.

He is the real deal. Three stars on the Walk of Fame for Recording, Television and Radio and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

I know I'm an old head (45), but I quote this song all the time!! Thank you checking this out!!!

Merle Travis wrote that one, and also "Dark as a Dungeon".

this song is 64 yrs old   a true classic

Wow, You had t go back a ways for that one. He first recorded it in 1955. He was very popular and had his on television show for a while. I was 8,.when he released it again on an album in 1960, You couldn't turn on a radio without hearing it.

This song was # 1 on the country chart for 10 weeks. It was also #1 on the pop chart.

Remember when he  was on I love Lucy as cousin Ernie, that was a hoot back when I was a youngin

This guy had one of the richest deepest voices ever. He sings some gospel music  that can't be matched. His version of Amazing Grace is other worldly.

Many companies had stores.  When a man would get hired, he would get store credits and he would have to buy his own work equipment.   Shovels, head lamps,  clothing. And so on.  So the employee  was always indebted  to the employer.

I forget how I happened across ScribeCash's channel, but I'm glad I did. More than her listening to virtually anything and appreciating it for its quality, she's a bundle of energy and dead honest in her reactions. Thanks for all the efforts!