Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
You load sixteen tons, what do you get
You load sixteen tons, what do you get
With one fist of iron, and the other of steel
If the right one don't get you then the left one will
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store
A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal
Ain't no a high-toned woman make me walk the line
Another day older and deeper in debt
Fightin' and trouble are my middle name
I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
Raised in the Canebrake by an old mama lion
I owe my soul to the company store
Another day older and deeper in debt
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
You load sixteen tons, what do you get
You load sixteen tons, what do you get
If you see me comin', better step aside
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
Another day older and deeper in debt
I was born one mornin', it was drizzlin' rain
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"
Another day older and deeper in debt
A lot of men didn't, and a lot of men died
