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By New River's roar and the pine scented air
Sandstone Falls thundered with mist everywhere
Native trails lingered where footsteps were laid
Wildwood stood proud as the wagons conveyed
Gun smoke hung heavy, the hillside grew dim
Drums echoed faintly through Beckley's old rim
Richmond's brave footsteps by river were found
Hayes and McKinley camped near Beckley's ground
Raleigh County, strong and free
Heart of the hills, our legacy
From coal and song, our voices rise
Forever proud beneath these skies
Coal dust was bitter, it stung in the throat
Lanterns burned warm as the miners took note
Union songs lifted through church bells at dawn
Faith lit the camps as the hard days went on
Eccles fell silent, the smoke filled the skies
Layland's dark sorrow brought tears to the eyes
Upper Big Branch shadows still haunt every song
Candles in chapels burn steady and strong
Raleigh County, strong and free
Heart of the hills, our legacy
From coal and song, our voices rise
Forever proud beneath these skies
Hollywood's shadow brushed Beckley with light
Tamarack's colors shine bold and so bright
Bill Withers sang from Slab Fork to the world
Everett Lilly and Dickens unfurled
Raleigh County, strong and free
Heart of the hills, our legacy
From coal and song, our voices rise
Forever proud beneath these skies
Grandview's wide overlook, colors so bright
Lake Stephens sparkles in warm summer light
Winterplace snow and the Beaver Creek song
Sunday bells echo, the spirit stays strong
Shawnee trails whisper where New River flows
Union songs echo as hard labor shows
Helen Schoolhouse taught hope through the night
Sarandon and Spurlock gave Beckley their light
Rhododendrons bloom where the songbirds still fly
Past and the future walk steady and nigh
Faith, work, and learning all join hand in hand