Merle Travis — 16 Tons

[Verse 1] Some people say a man is made outta mud But a poor man's made outta muscle and blood Muscle and blood and skin and bones With a mind that's weak and a back that's strong [Chorus] You load sixteen tons, and what do you get? You get another day older and deeper in debt Saint Peter, don't you call me, 'cause I can't go I owe my soul to the company store [Verse 2] Well, I was born one mornin', it was drizzlin' rain Fightin' and trouble are my middle name Raised in the cane-brake by an old mama lion Can't no high-tone woman make me walk the line [Chorus] You load sixteen tons, and what do you get? You get another day older and deeper in debt Saint Peter, don't you call me, 'cause I can't go I owe my soul to the company store [Verse 3] Well, if you see me comin', better step aside A lotta men didn't, and a lotta men died One fist of iron, the other one of steel If the right one don't getcha, then the left one will [Chorus] You load sixteen tons, and what do you get? You get another day older and deeper in debt Saint Peter, don't you call me, 'cause I can't go I owe my soul to the company store