About the song
In the rich tapestry of American music, few songs capture the struggles and spirit of the working class as poignantly as “16 Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford. This classic tune, with its deep, resonant vocals and haunting melody, has become an enduring symbol of the mid-20th century labor movement. Tennessee Ernie Ford, born Ernest Jennings Ford on February 13, 1919, in Bristol, Tennessee, was an American singer and television host who enjoyed a successful career spanning over three decades.
“16 Tons” was originally written by Merle Travis, a prominent country and Western singer-songwriter and guitarist. Travis, who hailed from the coal mining regions of Kentucky, drew upon his own family’s experiences and the stories of miners to pen this evocative song. The lyrics, “You load sixteen tons, what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt,” reflect the grim reality faced by coal miners, who often found themselves trapped in a cycle of debt and labor.
The song was first recorded by Travis in 1946, but it was Tennessee Ernie Ford’s rendition in 1955 that brought it to national prominence. Ford’s deep bass-baritone voice lent a gravitas to the song that resonated with listeners across the country. Released as a single on Capitol Records, “16 Tons” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number one position on the Billboard country music charts and spending ten weeks atop the pop charts as well.
“16 Tons” was featured on Ford’s album “Favorite Hymns,” which showcased his versatility as an artist capable of performing both secular and religious music with equal aplomb. The song’s success was a testament not only to Ford’s vocal prowess but also to the timeless appeal of its subject matter. It struck a chord during a time when the American workforce was grappling with issues of labor rights and economic inequality.
Tennessee Ernie Ford’s legacy is indelibly linked to “16 Tons,” a song that remains a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by workers and the enduring spirit of resilience. His contribution to American music is celebrated by fans and historians alike, and “16 Tons” continues to be a poignant anthem for those who toil tirelessly, often with little to show for their hard work.
Video
Lyrics
Some people say a man is made outta mud
A poor man’s made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
A mind that’s a-weak and a back that’s strong
You load 16 tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
St. Peter, don’t you call me ’cause I can’t go
I owe my soul to the company store
I was born one mornin’ when the sun didn’t shine
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded 16 tons of number nine coal
And the straw boss said, “Well, a-bless my soul”
You load 16 tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
St. Peter, don’t you call me ’cause I can’t go
I owe my soul to the company store
I was born one mornin’, it was drizzlin’ rain
Fightin’ and trouble are my middle name
I was raised in the canebrake by an ol’ mama lion
Can’t no high toned woman make me walk the line
You load 16 tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
St. 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, 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 16 tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
St. Peter, don’t you call me ’cause I can’t go
I owe my soul to the company store