Black Lung Heartache

Album: Dust Bowl (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • American singer-guitarist Joe Bonamassa is in the tradition of such classic blues influenced acts as Led Zeppelin. However, lyrically the songs on Dust Bowl are a far cry from the macho posturing of Whole Lotta Love. He told UK newspaper The Sun: "The early Zeppelin albums are timeless - that's why we're still listening to them 40 years after they were made. But I want to update that style to 2011. I'm not Bob Dylan but I want my songs to mean something. So 'Black Lung Heartache' is about coal miners in West Virginia who have to make the decision whether to do a job that will kill them slowly with this disease so they can feed their families, or default on their mortgage."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80s

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80sSongwriter Interviews

'80s music ambassadors Wang Chung pick their top tracks of the decade, explaining what makes each one so special.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.