There's an ol' man called de Mississippi

That's the ol' man that I'd like to be!

What does he care if the

World's got troubles?

What does he care if the land ain't free

Ol' Man River,

That Ol' Man River

He must know sumthin'

But don't say nuthin',

He just keeps rollin',

He keeps on rollin' along.

He don't plant taters,

He don't plant cotton,

And dem that plants 'em

Is soon forgotten,

But Ol' Man River,

He just keeps rollin' along.

You and me, we sweat an strain,

Body all achin' and racked with pain

Tote that barge!

Lift that bale!

Get a lil drunk,

And you land in jail...

I get weary

And sick of tryin';

I'm tired of livin'

And scared of dyin',

But Ol' Man River,

He just keeps rollin' along.