I have dreamed on this mountain
Since first I was my mother's daughter
And you can't just take my dreams away ¬– not with me watching
You may drive a big machine
But I was born a great big woman
And you can't just take my dreams away ¬– not with me fighting
This old mountain raised my many daughters
Some died young – some are still living
But if you come here to take our mountain
Well we ain't come here to give it
I have dreamed on this mountain
Since first I was my mother's daughter
And you can't just take my dreams away, not with me watching
No you can't just take my dreams away, without me fighting
No you can't just take my dreams away
Kentucky woman, Appalachian dream
I hear your voice in the morning
As you stand so strong and shining before the mighty man
As he tries to being you down with his money
Born a miner's daughter, you have seen the night
The darkness of survival in the broad daylight
Your sister went to Detroit and your brother went to war
You stayed home to battle with strip mining
Machines you use are noisy, the air you breathe is dust
You hate the thought of striking but you know you must
The hours that you're working are much higher than your pay
While the factory owner plays in Puerto Rico
I have dreamed on this mountain
Since first I was my mother's daughter
And you can't just take my dreams away, not with me watching
You may drive a big machine
But I was born a great big woman
No you can't just take my dreams away, without me fighting
No you can't just take my dreams away