Sixteen Tons
View chords used in this chart
[Verso 1]
Gm D7
Some people say a man is made outta mud
Gm D7
A poor man's made outta muscle and blood
Gm Cm
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
Gm N.C.
A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong
[Refrão]
D7 Gm D7
You load sixteen tons and what do you get?
Gm D7
Another day older and deeper in debt
Gm Cm
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
Gm N.C.
I owe my soul to the company store
[Verso 2]
Gm D7
I... was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
Gm D7
I picked up my shovel and walked to the mine
Gm Cm
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal
Gm N.C.
And the straw boss said 'Well, a-bless my soul'
[Refrão]
D7 Gm D7
You load sixteen tons and what do you get?
Gm D7
Another day older and deeper in debt
Gm Cm
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
Gm N.C.
I owe my soul to the company store
[Verso 3]
D7 Gm D7
If... you see me comin', better step aside
Gm D7
A lotta men didn't, a lotta men died
Gm Cm
My one fist's iron, the other steel
Gm N.C.
And if the right one don't getcha then the left one will
[Refrão]
D7 Gm D7
You load sixteen tons and what do you get?
Gm D7
Another day older and deeper in debt
Gm Cm
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
Gm N.C.
I owe my soul to the company store
[Verso 4]
D7 Gm D7
I... was born one mornin' and it was drizzlin' rain
Gm D7
A-fightin' and trouble are my middle name
Gm Cm
I was raised in the canebrake by an ol' mama lion
Gm N.C.
Can't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line
[Refrão]
D7 Gm D7
You load sixteen tons and what do you get?
Gm D7
Another day older and deeper in debt
Gm Cm
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
N.C.
I owe my soul
D7 N.C.
To the company store
How to play Sixteen Tons
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Gm. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.