It was such an honor getting to meet Val McCallum this summer in Vermont. He wrote this beautiful song about Charles Bronson called “Charlie’s Coal” that he included on his 2019 album Chateauguay. It’s a moving tribute to his dad. I still can’t believe that I had the good fortune to be able hear him perform this live at the Skunk Hollow Tavern. His cousin Lindsay told me later that he wasn’t going to sing that night but decided to when he met me and my wife and found out we were visiting the area there to pay tribute to Bronson. What a great guy!
I thought I would share it with you today! I hope you enjoy!
Charlie’s Coal
Follow the highway, follow the heart, to the green hills of ScoopTown, where my daddy grew up. Working down in the darkness, hauling out the coal. Stays on your skin, never leaves your soul.
Digging coal, black coal, from down in that hole. Digging coal, black coal, makes the engines roll.
He dreamed of a woman, so blonde and so fair. So, he had to go find her, climbing up out of there. Together they handled, any twist in the road. It strengthens your life, when you share the load.
When daddy wasn’t well, she knew just what to do. Held him in her arms, ‘til the night turned blue. Made a fire in the fireplace from some of his coal. Power from so long ago.
I live by the ocean, California dream. He lives under the earth now, what he left isn’t seen. He gave me my first guitar. I still remember that day. I still see him smile, every time I play. It gets into your heart, never goes away.
Digging coal, black coal, down in that hole. Digging coal, pure gold, makes the engines roll. Daddy’s coal, pure gold. May the cameras roll.
Through the Shattered Lens 