16 Tons

About

16 Tons appears on the deluxe edition of Swings Both Ways and is Robbie Williams’s take on the 1947 folk classic written by Merle Travis. The song was first made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1955, whose deep-voiced version became a global hit. Williams’s rendition transforms the American working man’s lament into a swaggering swing number, complete with brass flourishes and a sly grin.

The original lyric tells of a coal miner trapped in debt to the company store, embodying the hardships of labour life in post-war America. Williams’s interpretation preserves the grit and weariness of the song’s message but delivers it with theatrical flair. Backed by a full big band arrangement from Guy Chambers and Steve Sidwell, his version replaces the stark minimalism of the original with cinematic grandeur while maintaining its bluesy undertone.

Williams said he chose to record 16 Tons because he was drawn to “the story and the defiance in it.” His performance walks the line between tribute and reinvention, combining a baritone vocal with his trademark charm and irony. The result feels simultaneously vintage and contemporary, bridging American folk storytelling with the polished showmanship of British swing.

“It’s one of those perfect songs that sounds effortless but says a lot. It’s about struggle and pride, and I just wanted to give it a new coat of paint.”Robbie Williams

Although not a single, 16 Tons was praised by listeners for its depth and swagger. Its inclusion on the deluxe edition of Swings Both Ways highlighted Williams’s ability to reinterpret classic material across genres, paying homage to an American standard while adding his unmistakable flair for drama and personality.