Did someone say coal train?

In preparation for my cousin's wedding down in Mississippi I have been doing some research on our family history. We were from eastern Kentucky, not western, so we weren't coal miners. But I do like the way John Prine expressed the sense of loss associated with strip mining. I have seen it. It's not good.

But I am here now, we had a glorious sunrise this morning - the clouds have parted and even now I can see a bit of blue sky.

Sure, it's been done, but I still like this song.

Oh yeah, that fiddle playin' reminded me - I have encountered another busker on a fairly regular basis - he plays violin, passably well, I give him some money now and then, then I request something like "Play 'Meditation' from Thais by Jules Massenet" and that son of a gun cranks it right out. That's some damn fine buskin' right there. Then I offer him more money if he won't play Ashokan Farewell, lest I go all John Belushi on his violin. Not that I would, mind you, I am not a violent man, but everyone has his breaking point, and for me it is hearing that maudlin piece of **** one more time.