(A) Look at this load u(C)pon my (A) back
Gotta get this wheel (C) back on the (A) track
I can't hold on but I (C) can't let (A) go
And I can't say 'yes' I (C) can't say (A) 'no'

Holes in my pockets and holes in my shoes
If you're ready for me I'm-a ready for you
The company plan takes all my pay
Got a child in July and another last May

Boss Man Boss Man what do you say
Gotta get you alone in the mine some day
Push your face down in the coal
'Cause you got no heart you got no soul

Country life's the life for me
In ten more years I'll a pensioner be
The young lad knows when the girls are out
Why you might say he's a rural sprout

Boss Man Boss Man what do you say
Gotta get you alone in the mine some day
Boss Man Boss Man clear the track
You're gonna tear the skin right offa my back

Boss Man Boss Man what do you say
If you can't lend a hand then get outta my way
It'll be murder in the first degree
If you ever lay your hands on me

Boss Man Boss Man pay my rent
A dollar I've earned is a dollar I've spent
The company plan takes all my check
For breaking my back and risking my neck

Boss Man Boss Man what do you say
I gotta get you alone in the mine some day
I can't hold on but I can't let go
And I can't say 'yes' I can't say 'no'