Some people say a man is made outta mudA poor man's made outta muscle and bloodMuscle and blood and skin and bonesA mind that's a-weak and a back that's strongYou load sixteen tons, what do you get?Another day older and deeper in debtSaint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't goI owe my soul to the company storeI was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shineI picked up my shovel and I walked to the mineI loaded sixteen tons of number nine coalAnd the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"You load sixteen tons, what do you get?Another day older and deeper in debtSaint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't goI owe my soul to the company storeI was born one mornin', it was drizzlin' rainFightin' and trouble are my middle nameI was raised in the canebrake by an ol' mama lionCan't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the lineYou load sixteen tons, what do you get?Another day older and deeper in debtSaint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't goI owe my soul to the company storeIf you see me comin', better step asideA lotta men didn't, a lotta men diedOne fist of iron, the other of steelIf the right one don't a-get you, then the left one willYou load sixteen tons, what do you get?Another day older and deeper in debtSaint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't goI owe my soul to the company store