Some people say,a man is made,out-ta mud a poor man,is made out,ta muscle and blood muscle and blood and skin and bones A mind that's weak and,a back that's strong you,load Six- teen tons What,ta you get, a- nother day older and deeper in debt, Saint Peter don't,you call,me cause I can't go, I owe my soul to the com-pan- y store. I,was born one mornin' the sun didn't shine I picked up.my shovel and,I walked to,the mine. I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal and,the straw boss said well bless my soul you,load I,was born one mornin' it was drizzling rain fightin' and trouble was,my mid-dle name. raised in,the cane,break by,a old mama lion ain't,no high tone woman make,me walk the line you,load If,you see me commin' better step a- side A lotta men didn't and,a lotta men died. One fist of Iron the other of steel if,the right,one don't, get,you then,the left one will you,load