Saturday 9: Sixteen Tons

Saturday 9: Sixteen Tons (1955)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) 16 tons = 32,000 pounds, because there are 2,000 lbs. to a ton. Without looking it up, do you know how many ounces are in a pound?

A. 16. And no, I didn't look it up.

2) The singer describes himself as having "a mind that's weak and a back that's strong." Think about yourself. Which feels more powerful today, your body or your brain?

A. My brain.

3) The poor chap in this song has money troubles. Are you good at sticking to your budget?

A. Yes.

4) Tennessee Ernie Ford snapped his fingers as he recorded this song. It's been said that while it's possible to snap your fingers of both hands, the noise is louder with your "dominant hand." (So if you're a rightie, the finger snap will be louder with your right hand.) Try it yourself. Did you find this to be true?

A. No. The snap is louder with my left hand, and I am right-handed. Maybe it's from playing the guitar?

5) Mr. Ford appeared as "Cousin Ernie" in three episodes of I Love Lucy. What's your all-time favorite sitcom?

A. Andy Griffith

6) Tennessee Ernie took the money he made from his performing career and invested in a California cattle ranch. Think back to the last beef your ate. How was it prepared?

A. We had broiled steak a week or so ago.

7) Mr. Ford passed away at age 72 in 1991. That year, Dr. Seuss also died. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

A. The Cat in the Hat.

8) Gene Roddenberry also died that year. Mr. Roddenberry is best known as the creator of Star Trek. Who is your favorite Star Trek character?

A. Captain Kathryn Janeway from Star Trek: Voyager. If you mean the original series, then it would be Mr. Spock.

9) Random question: We're having smoothies. What's your favorite?

A. I dunno. Something with strawberries?


You load 16 tons and what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt. St. Peter don't you call me, 'cause I can't go. I owe my soul to the company store.

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