About the Song
New York Mining Disaster 1941 is a song by the Bee Gees, written by Barry and Robin Gibb. It was released in April 1967 as their debut single in the United States. The song tells the story of a mining disaster in New York City in 1941, and it was inspired by a real-life event that took place on December 19, 1941, when a fire broke out at the St. Nicholas Coal Breaker in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, killing 58 miners.
The song begins with a spoken introduction that sets the scene of the disaster: “It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday / The regular weekly check / The miners are all on their way / Homeward bound from the pit.” The song then goes on to describe the events of the disaster, from the initial fire to the rescue efforts. The lyrics are vivid and dramatic, and they capture the horror and tragedy of the event.
The Bee Gees were a pop music group formed in 1958. Their lineup consisted of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. The group sang recognizable three-part tight harmonies; Robin’s clear vibrato lead vocals were a hallmark of their earlier hits, while Barry’s R&B falsetto became their signature sound during the mid-to-late 1970s and 1980s.
“New York Mining Disaster 1941” was a commercial success, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising its powerful lyrics and dramatic melody. The song has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton, John Denver, and Metallica.
“New York Mining Disaster 1941” is a powerful and moving song that tells the story of a tragic event. The song is a reminder of the dangers of mining and the importance of safety regulations. It is also a tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the disaster.
Some interesting facts about the song:
- The song was inspired by a real-life event that took place on December 19, 1941, when a fire broke out at the St. Nicholas Coal Breaker in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, killing 58 miners.
- The song was written by Barry and Robin Gibb, who were just 17 and 16 years old at the time.
- The song was the Bee Gees’ debut single in the United States.
- The song was a commercial success, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton, John Denver, and Metallica.
Here are some additional details about the song’s lyrics:
- The first verse of the song sets the scene of the disaster, describing a typical Saturday night in a mining town.
- The second verse describes the fire that broke out at the mine, and the panic that ensued.
- The third verse describes the rescue efforts, and the grief of the families of the miners who were killed.
- The song ends with a message of hope, as the miners’ wives and children sing “We’ll meet again someday.”
“New York Mining Disaster 1941” is a powerful and moving song that tells the story of a tragic event. The song is a reminder of the dangers of mining and the importance of safety regulations. It is also a tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the disaster.