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16 Tons

Chords

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[Verse 1]
FmSome people say a man is made outta mud 
FmA poor man's Ebmade outta Dbmuscle and bC7lood
FmMuscle and bEblood and skiDbn and bones C7  
FmA mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong 
[Chorus]
FmYou load sixEbteen tons, wDbhat do you gC7et
FmAnother day Ebolder and deDbeper in debt C7  
FmSaint Peter Ebdon't you caDbll me 'cause C7I can't go 
FmI owe my soul to the company store 
[Verse 2]
FmI was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine 
FmI picked up Ebmy shovel anDbd I walked tC7o the mine
FmI loaded sixEbteen tons of Dbnumber nine C7coal
FmAnd the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul" 
[Chorus]
FmYou load sixEbteen tons, wDbhat do you gC7et
FmAnother day Ebolder and deDbeper in debt C7  
FmSaint Peter Ebdon't you caDbll me 'cause C7I can't go 
FmI owe my soul to the company store 
[Verse 3]
FmI was born one mornin', it was drizzlin' rain 
FmFightin' and Ebtrouble are Dbmy middle nC7ame
FmI was raised Ebin the caneDbbrake by an C7ol' mama lion
FmCain't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line 
[Chorus]
FmYou load sixEbteen tons, wDbhat do you gC7et
FmAnother day Ebolder and deDbeper in debt C7  
FmSaint Peter Ebdon't you caDbll me 'cause C7I can't go 
FmI owe my soul to the company store
[Verse 4] 
FmIf you see me comin', better step a side
FmA lotta men Ebdidn't, a loDbtta men died C7  
FmOne fist of Ebiron, the otDbher of steel C7  
FmIf the right one don't a-get you 
Then the left one will 
[Chorus]
FmYou load sixEbteen tons, wDbhat do you gC7et
FmAnother day Ebolder and deDbeper in debt C7  
FmSaint Peter Ebdon't you caDbll me 'cause C7I can't go 
FmI owe my soul to C7the company sFmtore 

All chords in this song (4)

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16 Tons

by Robbie Williams

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Verse 1]

Some people say a man is made outta mud

Fm Eb Db C7

A poor man's made outta muscle and blood

Fm Eb Db C7

Muscle and blood and skin and bones

A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong

[Chorus]

Fm Eb Db C7

You load sixteen tons, what do you get

Fm Eb Db C7

Another day older and deeper in debt

Fm Eb Db C7

Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go

I owe my soul to the company store

[Verse 2]

I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine

Fm Eb Db C7

I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine

Fm Eb Db C7

I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal

And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"

[Chorus]

Fm Eb Db C7

You load sixteen tons, what do you get

Fm Eb Db C7

Another day older and deeper in debt

Fm Eb Db C7

Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go

I owe my soul to the company store

[Verse 3]

I was born one mornin', it was drizzlin' rain

Fm Eb Db C7

Fightin' and trouble are my middle name

Fm Eb Db C7

I was raised in the canebrake by an ol' mama lion

Cain't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line

[Chorus]

Fm Eb Db C7

You load sixteen tons, what do you get

Fm Eb Db C7

Another day older and deeper in debt

Fm Eb Db C7

Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go

I owe my soul to the company store

[Verse 4]

If you see me comin', better step a side

Fm Eb Db C7

A lotta men didn't, a lotta men died

Fm Eb Db C7

One fist of iron, the other of steel

If the right one don't a-get you

Then the left one will

[Chorus]

Fm Eb Db C7

You load sixteen tons, what do you get

Fm Eb Db C7

Another day older and deeper in debt

Fm Eb Db C7

Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go

Fm C7 Fm

I owe my soul to the company store

About 16 Tons Chords by Robbie Williams

Learn how to play 16 Tons by Robbie Williams with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “16 Tons chords”, “16 Tons guitar chords”, or “Robbie Williams 16 Tons chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy 16 Tons chords and for experienced players who want accurate 16 Tons lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Fm, Eb, Db, C7, A.

FAQ — 16 Tons by Robbie Williams

How do I play "16 Tons" by Robbie Williams on guitar?

Open the free chords for "16 Tons" by Robbie Williams on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "16 Tons" by Robbie Williams free?

Yes. The chords for "16 Tons" by Robbie Williams are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "16 Tons" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "16 Tons" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "16 Tons"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "16 Tons" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "16 Tons" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "16 Tons" by Robbie Williams with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Robbie Williams below.

What key is "16 Tons" in?

The chords for "16 Tons" show the original chord names (including Fm, Eb, Db, C7, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.