I been swinging this hammer for a mighty long time
What I wouldn't give for a nickel and a dime
I was up there in the hills where the colored bands run
Fanning cross the mountain and a shining in the sun

I came across a mountain it was leaning tall
One wrong look and she was bound to fall
But I couldn't resist where my fortune lie
Now I'm bound to get rich if I keep from dyin'

Well I keep on chipping and a chipping away
There's a little more gold left here today
All I got to do is just pull it right from the ground
And every time I take a little piece I know
I'm toeing the line with the ol pick hoe
And sooner or later this whole thing is coming down

Well I heard a little crack, heard a creak, and moan
Sounded like thunder and it shook me to the bone
Just got a little bit more to go
Ten thousand dollars and I'm headed back home

I finally had my fill I was on my way
And that mountain started falling as I ran and I prayed
Lord if you let me make it out alive
I'll never chase another poke for my whole damn life

Well I keep on chipping and a chipping away
There's a little more gold left here today
All I got to do is just pull it right from the ground
And every time I take a little piece I know
I'm toeing the line with the ol pick hoe
And sooner or later this whole thing is coming down

Well I keep on chipping and a chipping away
There's a little more gold left here today
All I got to do is just pull it right from the ground
And every time I take a little piece I know
I'm toeing the line with the ol pick hoe
And sooner or later this whole thing is coming down