Roots Music Report

Credits:

Lyrics

A Coal Camp Christmas (3:14) (words and music by Marty Falle)/ Songwriter, Publishing & PRO: Written by Marty Falle/ Appalachia Rust Records Nashville and ASCAP/ ISRC Code - QMEU32517025/ Single Release Date: Release Date: November 19, 2025

“A Coal Camp Christmas” draws its heart from the coal towns of Eastern Kentucky, where families carried on a tradition of simple living, shared hardship, and deep-rooted faith. In the old coal camps, Christmas rarely meant store-bought gifts—but it always meant togetherness. Neighbors carved toys, mended clothes, and gave from what little they had, proving that joy didn’t come from abundance but from devotion, generosity, and the light of Christ shared among humble people. This song celebrates that Appalachian spirit: the resilience of mining families, the handmade gifts, the Gospel warmth of community, and the enduring belief that love—like Bluegrass music itself—is strongest when it rises from the plainest, poorest places.” – Marty Falle November 2025

"A Coal Camp Christmas" (feat. Carly Greer) (words and music by Marty Falle)

 Verse 1

Snow was falling on the hillside, cold wind howled through the trees,

In a little town in Kentucky, where the miners bowed their knees.    

Hard times weighed upon us, but we held our heads up high,

For love was all we carried, and love would get us by.

Chorus

Be devoted to one another in love,

Honor each other, lift your brother up.

Through the giving and the grace, /the Lord’s light shines bright,

That Christmas in the coal camp/ love warmed the night.

Verse 2

Mama stitched by candlelight Daddy carved a wooden train,

Sister knit a woolen scarf to keep out the winter rain.

Empty pockets, heavy hearts but joy was never missed,

For every child on that Christmas had a hand-wrapped gift.

No one had to go without no child felt alone,

Verse 3

Old man Jasper shaped a doll from a branch of hickory pine,

Miss Ruth sewed a Sunday dress stitched with love in every line.

Folks gave what they could, though the cupboards were lean,

A rocking horse, a wooden flute and mittens sewn from jeans.

Chorus

Be devoted to one another in love,

Honor each other, lift your brother up.

Through the giving and the grace, the Lord’s light shines bright,

That Christmas in the coal camp where love warmed the night.

Players:

Marty Falle – Executive Producer, Writer, Lead Vocals, Guitar
Carly Greer – Lead Vocals
Jonathan Yudkin– Producer, Fiddle, Mandolin
Carl Miner - Guitar
Michael Bub - Acoustic Bass
Josh Matheny - Dobro
Matt Menefee – Banjo
Jim Hoke – Accordion, Harmonica
Recorded in Nashville @ County Q