Here we all work 'long the Mississippi
Here we all work while the master plays
Pulling them boats from the dawn 'til sunset
Getting no rest 'til the judgment day

Oh, don't look up and don't look down
Don't go near, the boss man frown
Bend your knees and bow your head
And pull that rope until you're dead

Let me go 'way from the Mississippi
Let me go 'way from the master boss
Show me that stream called the river Jordan
That's the old stream that I long to cross

Ol' Man River, that Ol' Man River
He don't say nothing, but must know something
It just keeps rolling, it keeps on rolling along

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

You and me, we sweat and strain
Bodies all aching and wracked with pain
Tote that barge and lift that bale
Ya get a little drunk and ya lands in jail

I gets weary and so sick of trying
I'm tired of livin', but I'm scare of dyin'
And Ol' Man River, he just keeps rolling along