Well, some people say a man is made out of mud A poor man's made out of muscle and blood Muscle and blood and skin and bone A mind that's weak, a back that's strong, you load
Chorus:
Sixteen Tons and what do you get? Another day over and I'm deeper in debt Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go I owe my soul to the company store
Well, I was born one morning the sun didn't shine I picked up my shovel and walked to the mine I loaded Sixteen Tons of number 9 coal And the straw-boss said, "Bless my soul, that's..." (Chorus)
Well, I was born one morning it was drizzling rain Fightin' and Trouble are my middle name I was raised in a canebrake by an old mama lion Ain't no high-toned woman going to make me walk the line, you load... (Chorus)
So, if you see me coming, better step aside A lot of men didn't and a lot of men died With one fist of iron and the other of steel And if the right one don't get you, Then the left one will