Here we all work 'long the Mississippi
Here we all work while the white folks play
Pullin' them boats from the dawn till sunset
Gettin' no rest till the Judgment Day

Don't look up, don't look down
You don't dare make the boss-man frown
Bend your knees, bow your head
Pull that rope until you're dead

Let me go 'way from the Mississippi
Let me go 'way from the white man boss
Show me that stream called the River Jordan
That's the ol' stream that I long to cross

Ol' Man River, that Ol' Man River
He don't say nothin', but he must know somethin'
He just keeps rollin', he keeps on rollin' along

He don't plant taters, and he don't plant cotton
And then what plants 'em are soon forgotten
But Ol' Man River - he just keeps rollin' along

You and me - we sweat and strain
Body all achin' and racked with pain
Tote that barge, and lift that bale
You get a little drunk and you land in jail

I gets weary and sick of tryin'
I'm tired of living, but I'm scared of dyin'
And Ol' Man River - he just keeps rollin' along
Ol' Man River...


Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings

Ol' Man River Lyrics as written by Oscar Ii Hammerstein Jerome Kern

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave

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Ol' Man River song meanings
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