Blood on the Bobbin: Andrew Crawford Excavates Southern History in “The Millworker’s Wage”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the quiet corners of South Carolina’s Upstate, there are stories that the passage of time—and perhaps those in power—would rather see forgotten. Singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso Andrew Crawford refuses to let that happen. With the release of his haunting new single, “The Millworker’s Wage,” Crawford pulls back the veil on a dark chapter of Southern labor history: the Chicola Massacre of 1934.
Available now on all digital and streaming platforms, the track is a somber, deeply personal work that solidifies Crawford’s position as a premier storyteller in the Appalachian and folk traditions.
A Family Legacy Forged in the Mill
Co-written with his wife and frequent musical partner, Brandi Colt, “The Millworker’s Wage” is born from more than just historical research; it is rooted in Crawford’s own bloodline. The song documents the tragic textile strike in Honea Path, South Carolina, where seven mill workers were gunned down.
“One of those killed was a distant relative of mine,” Crawford shares. “I grew up hearing stories about mill life: the hard work, the long hours, and the way generations of families gave everything to those factories.”
The song functions as a folk protest in the truest sense, capturing the grit of the 1930s labor struggle. It moves beyond the headlines to find the humanity in the tragedy, painting a vivid picture of families who fought for dignity against a system that viewed them as expendable. As Crawford poignantly observes, the track explores “how some things change and some don’t.”
The Sound of Appalachian Balladry
Musically, “The Millworker’s Wage” is a masterclass in atmospheric restraint. Following his recent Bluegrass reimagining of Guy Clark’s “The Guitar” (which featured fiddle legend Michael Cleveland), Crawford pivots here to a more somber, folk-leaning arrangement.
The track features:
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Haunting Guitar Work: Crawford’s dynamic playing serves as the song’s heartbeat, mirroring the rhythmic, relentless pulse of a textile loom.
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Soulful, Weathered Vocals: His voice carries the weight of the subject matter, delivering the lyrics with a gravitas that feels both ancient and immediate.
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Vivid Imagery: The lyrics harken back to the classic Appalachian ballad style, focusing on the “smallness” of a worker’s wage compared to the monumental sacrifice of their lives.
About Andrew Crawford
Based in South Carolina, Andrew Crawford has built an enviable reputation as a “musician’s musician.” Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and his ability to bridge the gap between Bluegrass, Folk, and Americana, he has become a staple of the roots music scene.
His resume speaks to his caliber, having shared stages and collaborated with a “who’s who” of acoustic music legends, including:
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Vince Gill
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Jim Lauderdale
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Rhonda Vincent
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Dale Ann Bradley
Whether performing solo or as a duo with Brandi Colt, Crawford’s music is characterized by a “restless creative spirit” and a deep respect for the history of the American South.
Looking Ahead
“The Millworker’s Wage” serves as a powerful precursor to Crawford’s next full-length project. He is currently putting the finishing touches on a new album, slated for release in 2026. If this single is any indication, the upcoming record will be a profound exploration of heritage, struggle, and the enduring power of the Southern song.
The Verdict
Andrew Crawford has managed to turn a “little-known history” into a universal anthem for the working class. “The Millworker’s Wage” is a beautiful, brutal, and necessary piece of music that honors the ghosts of Honea Path with the dignity they were denied in life.