[Verse 1]
Here we all work, on one job or another
Why should I work while he rolls and plays?
I get tired, so tired and weary
Got to keep toiling day by day

[Chorus]
Ol' man river, ol’ man river
He don't say nothin', but he must know somethin’
Ol' man river keeps on rollin' along, uh-huh
Now, he don't plant cotton, he don't plant taters
Them that plants them, they're soon forgotten
Ol' man river keeps on rollin' along, mhm

[Bridge]
Well, you and me, we sweat and strain
Our bodies all achin’ and wracked with pain
Tote that barge, you better lift that bale
Get a little drunk and you land in jail

[Verse 2]
I get weary, so sick of tryin’
I'm tired of livin’ but afraid of dyin'
Ol' man river, he keeps on rollin' along, mhm
Mhm, mmm, yeah
[Instrumental Break]

[Bridge]
Well, you, you and me, we sweat and strain
Our bodies all achin’ and wracked with pain
Oh, tote that barge, you better lift that bale
Get a little drunk and you land in jail

[Verse 3]
I get weary, so sick of tryin'
Tired of livin' but afraid of dyin'
Ol' man river, he keeps on rollin' along, mhm

[Outro]
Ol' man river keeps on rollin' along, yeah
Ol' man river keeps on rollin' along