Sixteen Tons of Sorrow
Alex Wilson
Description
"Sixteen Tons of Sorrow" evokes a feeling of profound heartache and weariness, exploring the heavy burden of grief. Rooted in traditional country music, the song utilizes raw vocals and stripped-down instrumentation to amplify its emotional impact.
Lyrics
[Verse 1] I was just a boy when Mama passed away Left me with a guitar and a heart full of pain Daddy worked the mines, black dust in his lungs He joined her too soon, left me on my own [Chorus] Sixteen tons of sorrow, weighing on my soul Each day's a little harder, as I dig another hole I owe my life to the company store, but my heart's already sold To the memories of the ones I loved, now lying cold [Verse 2] Now I work the same seams that took my daddy's breath Each swing of the pickaxe feels like facing death But at night by the fire, with my old six-string I pour out my sorrow in the songs that I sing [Bridge] Sometimes I wonder if they can hear me up above Singing these lonesome tunes, pouring out my love Maybe one day I'll join them, free from this pain But 'til then I'll keep digging, in the cold Kentucky rain [Chorus] Sixteen tons of sorrow, weighing on my soul Each day's a little harder, as I dig another hole I owe my life to the company store, but my heart's already sold To the memories of the ones I loved, now lying cold