Miner Imperfections

He wasn't one to talk much when we'd pull off to school

I could never tell what's running through his mind

It'd be three more hours until those halls were full

But long walls don't run on nine to five

I didn't get it then, every day that man would fight

To punch the clock and make it home alive

He's got miner imperfections

Blame it on his roots

Calluses on his hands

Coal dust on his boots

He's not one for conversation

When there's work to do

Papaw said get paid in cash

Company script's a noose

Them city folks would shame him if he let them

But he's proud of his miner imperfections

Years went by and I grew up

His brown hair faded white

He somehow picks up every time I call

Moved me in, and bailed me out

And shared all he knows about

Like how to pair a diamond to a girl

His hard edges cut me deep when I was just a boy

I saw his face light up when those grandchildren were born

He's got miner imperfections

Blame it on his roots

Calluses on his hands

Coal dust on his boots

He's not one for conversation

When there's work to do

He told me do what you love

Misery's a noose

Them city folks would shame him if he let them

But I'm proud of his miner imperfections

I don't mine low coal but my collar's still stained blue

My kids look up at me the way I looked at him

For those little ones, there's nothing I won't do

I hope one day they can understand

I've got miner imperfections

I'm proud of my roots

Calluses on my hands

Singin' to a room

I'm not one for conversation

When I've got work to do

I tell my kids do what you love

Like papaw told me to

Them city folks try to shame me now and then

Don't mind them

I'm proud of my miner imperfections

I'm proud of my miner imperfections