Dream of a Miner's Child [core]

A miner was leavin' his home for his work
When he heard his little child scream
He went to the side of his little child's bed
Saying, Daddy, I've had such a dream

Chorus
Oh, Daddy don't go to the mines today
For dreams have so often come true
Oh, Daddy, dear Daddy, please don't go away
I never could live without you

I dreamed that the mines were all blazing with fire
The workers fought for their lives
But then the scene changed at the mouth of the mine
It was covered with sweethearts and wives

Go down to the village and tell all your friends
As sure as the bright sun does shine
There's something a-going to happen there today
Please, daddy, don't go to the mines

Listen to this song

This Song Clip was recorded in the key of G. (Click below to play.)

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Get it in print
(two books to choose from!)

Get Started Plus: Core Songs Edition
100 Core Songs (including Dream of a Miner's Child) plus our acclaimed playing-by-ear learning method.
Read more & look inside.
Big Print Songs
222 traditional songs, including Dream of a Miner's Child, in large print. Chords, historical info, jamming hints, and more.
Read more & look inside

Get it on CD

Core Songs CD Series

Five CDs, 100 songs, including Dream of a Miner's Child. Recordings from the Abbott family and their friends.
Listen to samples & buy.

The MP3 collection has all 100 songs on one CD for a discount. See details.


A song from the Mountain Music for Everyone Song Collection from the ToneWay Project. Our website has lyrics to nearly 400 traditional songs common in bluegrass and old-time circles. Most songs also include a free MP3 recording that you can listen to. The ToneWay Project also offers songbooks, CDs, and resources for learning to play music by ear. http://ToneWay.com