Now playing

16 Tons

Chords
4.7119 votes
Aminor
90BPM
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
The chords are relative to that open position, so Am is played X03320, although it
is actually a Gm  
Intro
Am/ G   F   E  
Am/ G   F   E  
Verse 1
=======
Am/ G   F  E  
Some people say a man is made out of mud
Am/ G   F  E  
A poor man's made outta muscle and blood...
AmMuscle and Cblood Dmskin and Fbone
A Ammind that's a-weak and a Eback that's AmstrongE  
Chorus 1
========
Am/ G   F   E  
You load sixteen tons and whaddya get?
Am/ G   F  E  
A-nother day older and deeper in debt
Saint AmPeter dontcha Ccall me 'cause DmI can't Fgo
I Amowe my soul to the Ecompany Amstore
Verse 2
Am/ G   F  E  
I was born one morning when the sun didn't shine
Am/ G   F  E  
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded Amsixteen Ctons of Dmnumber nine Fcoal
The Amstrawboss said Well, EBless my Amsoul!
Chorus 2
Am/ G   F  E  
You load sixteen tons and whaddya get?
Am/ G   F  E  
A-nother day older and deeper in debt
Saint AmPeter dontcha Ccall me 'cause DmI can't Fgo
I Amowe my soul to the Ecompany Amstore
Verse 3
Am/ G   F  E  
I was born one morning it was drizzling rain
Am/ G   F  E  
Fighting and trouble are my middle name
I was Amraised in the Ccane-break by an Dmold mama Flion
Can't no Amhot-coloured woman make me Ehaunt the Amline
Chorus 3
Am/ G   F  E  
You load sixteen tons and whaddya get
Am/ G   F  E  
A-nother day older and deeper in debt
Saint AmPeter dontcha Ccall me 'cause DmI, I can't Fgo
I Amowe my soul to the Ecompany Amstore
Verse 4 - key change!
Bbm/ Ab   Gb  F  
If you see me coming better step a-side
Bbm/ Ab   Gb  F  
A lotta men didn't a lotta men died
I got Bbmone fist of Dbiron the Ebmother of Gbsteel
If the Bbmright one don't get ya then the Fleft one Bbmwill
Chorus 4
Am/ G   F  E  
You load up sixteen tons and whaddya get
Am/ G   F  E  
A-nother day older and deeper in debt
Saint AmPeter dontcha Ccall me 'cause DmI can't Fgo
I Amowe my soul to the Ecompany Amstore
-----------------------------------------
All chords in this song (12)

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

About 16 Tons Chords by Tom Jones

Learn how to play 16 Tons by Tom Jones with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “16 Tons chords”, “16 Tons guitar chords”, or “Tom Jones 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 Am, Gm, G, F, E, A.

FAQ — 16 Tons by Tom Jones

How do I play "16 Tons" by Tom Jones on guitar?

Open the free chords for "16 Tons" by Tom Jones 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 Tom Jones free?

Yes. The chords for "16 Tons" by Tom Jones 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 Tom Jones with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Tom Jones below.

What key is "16 Tons" in?

The chords for "16 Tons" show the original chord names (including Am, Gm, G, F, E, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.

Report a problem with this sheet · Copyright concern?