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This song was written by John after his dad told him not to follow in his footsteps. You see Johns dad was working at an auto factory, but the song really took shape after JB turned it into a coal mining analogy following some mining accidents that were national news. Anyhow, here's the official full version with the full band again. John on Vox and just shredding that Mandolin, Jayme on vox, Chris Dollar on guitar, Joe Macharet on fiddle and Pat Otto on bass.

lyrics

Don't Follow Me
by John R Bowyer

Son can't you see what coal mining has done to me? Put me in the ground before my time. Son I know you're proud of your daddy's hard working ways, but you ever follow me down in this old coal mine.

Let me tell you all of a hell the likes of which you've never seen, it's crushing cold and black and dark as pitch. It'll take the devil himself and break him at the knees sealed off a half mile below the mountain air.

I was buried alive down the Camden mine when all the timber gave way. Then, I heard three more had died just trying to save our lives God hold on to our children and wives.

You've wanted to be a miner like my daddy before me but I pray with my last breath you hear these words. You better get out this town there ain't nothing for you here. Head on up north there's factories there.

Take care of you maw and never forget us all. Now son you're the head of the family. For in the Camden mine I'm sealed with a tombstone made of steel I'm lost forever down this old coal mine.

Now if you ever come back around this old Camden mine, would you do a little something for the men, boy. Ah kick a few back for all of us trapped and pour a little out for me.

credits

from Shake Off The Cold, released July 2, 2022
John Bowyer Mandolin, Vox
Jayme Hood Vox
Chris Dollar Guitar
Joe Macharet Fiddle
Pat Otto Bass

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The Hammer and The Hatchet Bloomington, Indiana

John Bowyer and Jayme Hood are born and raised Hoosiers who make their home in South Central Indiana on the Brown/Monroe county line. Together, as The Hammer And The Hatchet, they have been on tour in support of Shake Off The Cold, their fourth album of original Midwestern music, available since July of 2022. ... more

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