Earle was born in Fort Monroe, Virginia, and grew up near San Antonio, Texas. His father, Jack Earle, was an air traffic controller. Although he was born in Virginia where his father was stationed, the family returned to Texas before Earle's second birthday. They moved several times but Earle grew up primarily in the San Antonio area.
Earle began learning the guitar at the age of 11 and placed in a talent contest at his school at age 13. He is reported to have run away from home at age 14 to follow his idol, singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt around Texas. Earle was "rebellious" as a youngster and dropped out of school at the age of 16. He moved to Houston with his 19-year-old uncle, who was also a musician, where he married and worked odd jobs. While in Houston Earle finally met Van Zandt, who became his hero and role model.
In 1975, at the age of 20, Earle moved to Nashville and began working as a songwriter. In these early days, he recorded with Guy Clark and Emmylou Harris. He finally scored a country hit in 1981, writing Johnny Lee's top ten cut "When You Fall in Love." Earle's early work as a performer tended towards the rockabilly sound, popular at the time. In 1986, his first proper album Guitar Town was a critical and commercial success. It sold over 300,000 copies and led some to herald him as a saviour of country music.
Earle long struggled with drug abuse. His addiction eventually caused a departure from performing and recording after he was dropped by MCA in 1991. Whilst in jail on drug and firearm charges, he kicked the habit and returned to music after his release in 1994.
Earle's "second, post-jail, musical career" has been more stylistically diverse than his early material, dipping in acoustic, bluegrass, and roots rock sounds. I Feel Alright and Transcendental Blues met with good reviews and decent sales. 2002's somewhat controversial Jerusalem was one of the first albums to directly address the September 11 attacks. It brought Earle's leftist views to media attention, especially the song "John Walker's Blues."
His latest album of original material I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive was released in 2011. Songfacts reports that one of the tracks, This City, got played on HBO’s New Orleans based show Treme several months before the album‘s release. Earle, who plays a recurring street musician, composed the song especially for the drama series.
Earle has also released a tribute album of material written by friend and mentor Townes Van Zandt, entitled Townes.
For more information and photographs of Steve Earle go to his official website, www.SteveEarle.com.
06. harlan man
Steve Earle Lyrics
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Went down in the mine when I was barely grown
It was easy then
Cause I didn't know what I know now
But I'm a family man
And it's the only life that I've ever known
But I'm a Harlan Man
I'm a mountain man
Born in east Kentucky and here I'll stay
And if it's the good Lord's plan
I'll wake up in the mornin' and find
I'm lookin' at the end
Of another long week and I can draw my pay
Cause I'm a Harlan Man
Never catch me whinin' cause I ain't that kind
I'm a union man
Just like my daddy and all my kin
I took a union stand
No matter what the company said
I got me two good hands
And just as long as I'm able I won't give in
Cause I'm a Harlan Man
A coal minin' mother til the day I'm dead
In Steve Earle's song "Harlan Man," he tells the story of a coal miner from Harlan County, Kentucky. The lyrics are a tribute to the hardworking and resilient people who work in the coal mines and make a living for their families. The song begins with the verse "I'm a Harlan Man, went down in the mine when I was barely grown," emphasizing that this individual has been working in the mines for nearly all of his life. Earle then goes on to emphasize the determination and perseverance that this man has, stating "cause I'm a Harlan Man, never catch me whinin' cause I ain't that kind."
The theme of family is also present in the song, with Earle describing the coal miner as a "family man," and that mining is "the only life he's ever known." This demonstrates the notion that coal mining is more than just a job, but a way of life that is passed down from generation to generation. The fact that the singer is a union man also underlines the importance of standing up for what one believes in, even when the company is trying to take advantage of them. The song ends with the powerful declaration that he will be a "coal mining mother til the day I'm dead," reflecting the intense sense of pride and commitment that the coal miners hold towards their work.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a Harlan Man
I am a man from Harlan, Kentucky and identify with its culture and way of life
Went down in the mine when I was barely grown
I began working in the coal mines at a young age
It was easy then
At the time, I didn't realize how difficult the job and life would be
Cause I didn't know what I know now
Now, with experience and knowledge, I understand the risks and challenges of mining
But I'm a family man
I prioritize my family and their well-being
And it's the only life that I've ever known
Working in the coal mines is all I know
Just as long as my luck and lungs hold out
I will continue working in the mines as long as I am physically able
I'm a mountain man
I was born and raised in the mountains of eastern Kentucky
Born in east Kentucky and here I'll stay
I plan on staying in my hometown for the rest of my life
And if it's the good Lord's plan
If it is meant to be
I'll wake up in the mornin' and find
I will discover
I'm lookin' at the end
I have completed another week of hard work
Of another long week and I can draw my pay
I will receive my paycheck for the week's labor
Never catch me whinin' cause I ain't that kind
I do not complain, as I know that the life I have chosen is not an easy one
I'm a union man
I am part of a labor union that fights for workers' rights
Just like my daddy and all my kin
My family also belonged to the union
I took a union stand
I stand with my union to fight for better working conditions and wages
No matter what the company said
Even if the company tries to silence us or retaliate
I got me two good hands
I have the physical ability to work hard and provide for my family
And just as long as I'm able I won't give in
I will continue to work hard and fight for better conditions as long as I am able
A coal minin' mother til the day I'm dead
I will work in the coal mines until I pass away
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: STEVE EARLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind