Let me introduce a song that will show my age now that I have been called an uncle in the forum. But actually I did not hear that song until the 70's. This country hit came out in 1947 but it wasn't that popular until Tennessee Ernie Ford sang it in 1956. All told, 20 million copies were sold. Imagine, that was back in '56.
The song tells the plight of miners and a rough life they had. Tragically it is being repeated now in China. 'I sold my soul in the company store' echoes with our Chinese miners. They toil in darkness, breathe in dust that is cancerous and get paid in pittance. My heart ached when I saw videos or pictures of mine collapses and the family members crying for help. The recent mine collapse in Chile was a miracle.
So I dedicate this song to miners the world over, and especially to Chinese miners who are continuously being exploited.
Sixteen Tons - written by Merle Davis, sung by Tennessee Ford
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Joo90ZWrUkU[/media]
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 sixteen tons, 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
I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal
And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"
You load sixteen tons, 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
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
Cain't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line
You load sixteen tons, 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
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 a-get you
Then the left one will
You load sixteen tons, 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
