16 Tons
Some people say a man is made outta mudA poor man's made outta muscle and bloodMuscle and blood and skin and bonesA mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong
You loaded sixteen tons, what do you getAnother day older and deeper in debtSaint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't goI owe my soul to the company store
I was born one morning when the sun didn't shineI picked up my shovel and I walked to the mineI loaded sixteen tons of number nine coalAnd the straw boss said "Well, bless my soul"
You load sixteen tons, what do you getAnother day older and deeper in debtSaint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't goI owe my soul to the company store
I was born one morning, it was drizzlin' rainFightin' and trouble are my middle nameI was raised in the canebrake by an ol' mama lionCan't no high-tone woman make me walk the line
You loaded sixteen tons, what do you getAnother day older and deeper in debtSaint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't goI owe my soul to the company store
If you see me comin', better step asideA lotta men didn't, a lotta men diedOne fist of iron, the other of steelIf the right one don't get you,Then the left one will
You loaded sixteen tons, what do you getAnother day older and deeper in debtSaint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't goI owe my soul to the company store