Before the Rocks Turned Orange

This song is inspired by the history of Deckers Creek in West Virginia — a mountain stream once deeply scarred by acid mine drainage from abandoned coal mines. The orange rocks and stained streambeds became a visible reminder of what old industry left behind. But this song is also about hope, restoration, and the people who refused to give up on a wounded creek. Before the rocks turned orange, the water ran clear. Afterward, generations worked to help it run clean again. Based on real history, places, and people. Lyrics and storytelling by Shirley Radabaugh. Brought to life with modern digital music and vocal tools. Kin & Coal tells Appalachian stories through family history, local memory, and song. #deckerscreek #westvirginia #appalachia #acidminedrainage #coalhistory #environmentalhistory #mountainstories #prestoncountywv #monongaliacounty