Stevie Wonder

Released: November 16, 1966

Songwriter: Merle Travis

Producer: Henry “Hank” Cosby Clarence Paul

Some folks say a man is made outta mud
But a poor man's made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood, skin and bones
A mind that's weak and a back that's strong, yeah

You load sixteen tons and what do you 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, yeah, ha

I was born when the sun didn't shine
I became a man who would work in the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal
The foreman said, "Well, a-bless my soul"

I was born in drizzlin' rain
Fightin' and trouble was my middle name
When I come around, you better step aside
A lot of men didn't and a lot of men died, yes they did

You load sixteen tons and what do you 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

Yeah, sing it one time with me
Sixteen tons and what do you 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

Everybody humming only
Mmm, hmm, ooh, ooh, yeah
Mmm, hmm, ooh, ooh
I owe my soul to the company store

Despite losing his sight at a young age, Stevie Wonder went on to become one of the most celebrated soul songwriters of the late 20th century. His songs manage to both innovate and catch the ears of listeners of all dispositions, whilst also being big chart hits.

Incredibly influential amongst musical circles, his voice rendered modern British soul-songwriter James Morrison close to tears the first time he heard it.

more tracks from the album

Down To Earth

From the album

Down To Earth (1966)

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