Readin’, Rightin’, Route 23

Lyrics

[Intro] They learned readin', rightin', Route 23 To the jobs that laid waitin' in those cities' factories They didn't know that old highway Would lead them to a road of misery [Verse 1] Have you ever been down Kentucky Way Stay south of Prestonsburg Have you ever been up in a holler And have you ever heard a mountain man Cough his life away Digging that black coal in those dark mines Those dark mines If you had, you just might understand The reason they'd left it all behind [Chorus] They learned readin', rightin', Route 23 To the jobs that laid waitin' in those cities' factories They learned readin', rightin', roads to the north To the luxury and comfort a coal miner can't afford They thought readin', rightin', Route 23 Would take them to the good life they had never seen They didn't know that old highway Could lead them to a road of misery [Verse 2] Have you ever seen them put the kids in the car After work on a Friday night Well, I've been hotter about 2 AM And see a light still burnin' bright Those mountain folks set up that late To hold those little grandkids in their arms In their arms And I'm proud to say that I've been blessed And touched by their hillbilly charm [Chorus] They learned readin', rightin', Route 23 To the jobs that laid waitin' in those cities' factories They learned readin', rightin', roads to the north To the luxury and comfort a coal miner can't afford They thought readin', rightin', Route 23 Would take them to the good life they had never seen They didn't know that old highway Could lead them to a world of misery [Outro] And I thank God for every trip back home Heading south on Highway 23