“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
The 2011 ACM Girls Night Out special witnessed something extraordinary—a convergence of country music’s most talented women uniting to celebrate Loretta Lynn, the pioneer who carved pathways for countless female artists throughout the genre’s history.
As the spotlight bathed the stage, an assemblage of legendary voices—Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, and the Judds—joined in harmony for a soul-stirring performance of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Lynn’s iconic signature song.
The atmosphere transformed instantly when they began singing, creating an electric moment that defied description. Something magical happened as each distinctive voice blended together—transcending mere performance to become a heartfelt celebration of Loretta’s immeasurable influence on country music.
Every verse resonated with genuine emotion, perfectly balancing reverence with deep affection. When the final notes faded, the audience rose as one, their resounding applause expressing what words couldn’t capture—the profound connection forged in that unforgettable moment.
Though unable to attend while recovering from knee surgery, Loretta’s warm video message ensured her presence was felt throughout the venue. Even years later, this collaborative tribute continues touching hearts online, with fans commenting: “Well ladies you did good!! Nobody could top Ms. Loretta singing it but you ladies actually sounded like y’all rolled right out of a holler somewhere!” Another perfectly summarized the evening’s spirit: “You have to love and respect all the smiles and standing ovations from the crowd…this was a great presentation!”
Video
Lyrics
Well, I was borned a coal miner’s daughter
In a cabin, on a hill in Butcher Holler
We were poor but we had love
That’s the one thing that daddy made sure of
He shoveled coal to make a poor man’s dollar
My daddy worked all night in the Van Lear coal mines
All day long in the field a hoin’ corn
Mommy rocked the babies at night
And read the Bible by the coal oil light
And ever’ thing would start all over come break of morn’
Daddy loved and raised eight kids on a miner’s pay
Mommy scrubbed our clothes on a washboard every day
Why, I’ve seen her fingers bleed
To complain, there was no need
She’d smile in mommy’s understanding way
In the summertime we didn’t have shoes to wear
But in the wintertime we’d all get a brand new pair
From a mail order catalog
Money made from selling a hog
Daddy always managed to get the money somewhere
Yeah, I’m proud to be a coal miner’s daughter
I remember well, the well where I drew water
The work we done was hard
At night we’d sleep ’cause we were tired
Never thought of ever leaving Butcher Holler
Well, a lot of things have changed since a way back then
Ah, and it’s so good to be back home again
Not much left but the floors, nothing lives here anymore
‘Cept the memories of a coal miner’s daughter
‘Cept the memories of a coal miner’s daughter