Jeni Hankins & Billy Kemp: Listen & Lyrics

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I wrote this song for my MawMaw Smith, my great-grandmother, who was always looking to Heaven for her reward. This song really started my journey as a songwriter to make a record about where I come from in Tazewell County, VA.

Daddy had something he could never hold
and he’d lost it down in that Jewell Ridge coal.
Mama said, “Daddy, can’t you let it go?”
He kept on digging that Jewell Ridge coal.

Our reward’s in Heaven.
It sure ain’t below.
No, there ain’t no diamonds
in that Jewell Ridge coal.

Sister wanted someone to have and to hold.
So, she married right into that Jewell Ridge coal.
Mama said, “Baby, can’t you let him go?”
she wrapped her arms ‘round that Jewell Ridge coal.

Our reward’s in Heaven.
It sure ain’t below.
No, there ain’t no diamonds
in that Jewell Ridge coal.

We all want something we can never hold.
We keep on digging like to save our soul.
But there ain’t no light in a pitch black hole.
No, nothing’s shining down in that coal.

Mama loved something she could never hold.
Ashes and dust ‘neath that Jewell Ridge coal.
Mama said, “Lordy, I just can’t let go,
since we lost Daddy to that Jewell Ridge coal.”

Our reward’s in Heaven.
It sure ain’t below.
No, there ain’t no diamonds
in that Jewell Ridge coal.

Our reward’s in Heaven.
It sure ain’t below.
No, there ain’t no diamonds
in that Jewell Ridge coal.

No, there ain’t no diamonds in that Jewell Ridge coal.