One fist of iron, the other of steel
I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
You load sixteen tons and what do ya get?
I owe my soul to the company store
You load sixteen tons and what do ya get?
I was raised in a canebrake by an ol' mama lion
Another day older and deeper in debt
I loaded sixteen tons of number 9 coal
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
A lotta men didn't and a lotta men died
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
If you see me comin', better step aside
Another day older and deeper in debt
I owe my soul to the company store
A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong
You load sixteen tons and what do ya get?
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I picked up a shovel and walked to the mine
Sixteen tons and what do ya get?
Can't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
Another day older and deeper in debt
Another day older and deeper in debt
A muscle and blood, skin and bones
If the right one don't getcha, then the left one will
I owe my soul to the company store
I was born one mornin' and it was drizzlin' rain
Fightin' and trouble are my middle name
And the store boss said, "Well, a-bless my soul"
