I picked up a shovel and walked to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number 9 coal
And the store boss said, "Well, a-bless my soul"

You load sixteen tons and what do ya 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

If you see me comin', better step aside
A lotta men didn't and a lotta men died
One fist of iron, the other of steel
If the right one don't getcha, then the left one will

Sixteen tons and what do ya 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

I was born one mornin' and it was drizzlin' rain
Fightin' and trouble are my middle name
I was raised in a canebrake by an ol' mama lion
Can't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line

You load sixteen tons and what do ya 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