[Verse] You flip a switch and that power travels down that copper line, A spark of light born from workers in a dark and distant mine. There was a time all that copper came from all those Butte Montana mines Over a mile deep in that small valley, mining lights would shine. Blasting and moving rock, for twelve hours shifts, seven days a week, Breaking their backs while most of the world was fast asleep. [Chorus] So flip that switch and turn on that light. Because of these brave men, we have that right. Then look to the light and give thanks to those hardworking families that made it possible to just......... flip that switch. [Verse] This little mining town was called the "Richest Hill on Earth”. A rough and rowdy western town, where danger measured worth. Nobody talks about the hazards of cave-ins and fires, The choking dust, and the dangerous new hires. But the wives and children felt the pain in every hidden tear, Living through the hardships and the overwhelming fear. [Chorus] So flip that switch and turn on that light. Because of these brave men, we have that right. Then look to the light and give thanks to those hardworking families that made it possible to just....... flip that switch. [Verse] The owners made a fortune, off the sweat of these men, But more - was never enough, these wealthy men would kill to win. They had troops sent to break union lines, Miners were shot and killed, yet they held strong..... time after time, A union boss was beaten, and hung high from a bridge. Displayed for all to see, high upon the valleys east ridge. [Bridge] Fighting in the streets, soon became the new rule, A ruthless education in this heartless, hardknock school, [Outro] So here's a toast to those miners, from Butte and everywhere, So tap your glass on the bar and raise it high in the air, to show em that we still care. Just a small toast for all those, hardworking men, Who if given the chance, would do it all again.
